Deutscher and Hackett

‘I believe in the power of Art, the power of the paintbrush. I know that art can change lives – it changed mine – and I hope that Art can change the world too.’¹
 
The art of Vincent Namatjira holds a mirror to power structures, established colonial histories and contemporary influence in Australian society. Using wit and caricature to probe the complex colonial narratives implicit in Australia’s relationship with United Kingdom and its realms, his paintings of the Royals and in particular his many portrayals of Queen Elizabeth II form part of an ongoing critique of colonialism and the role generations of the British royal family have played in the colonial history of Australia. In paintings such as The Queen and Me, 2017, Namatjira seeks to ameliorate the power imbalance by placing himself on an equal footing with the Royals, where, as a proud Aboriginal man he is front and centre, standing side by side with the Monarch, not relegated to the background or kept out of sight. He is part of the story.
 
Born in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Namatjira spent his early life between Mparntwe and Ntaria (Hermannsburg), the home of his great grandfather, Albert Namatjira. Inspired by his Namatjira family members, as well as the Tjilpi (senior men) of Indulkana, Vincent started painting at Iwantja Arts in South Australia’s APY lands in 2011. Choosing to become a portrait artist, rather than a painter of traditional lands, his witty and satirical depictions of those in positions of power contrast sharply with his warm portraits of family and friends. ‘I started painting portraits because I’m interest in people, power, wealth and politics. For me portraiture is a way of putting myself in someone else’s shoes, as well as to share with viewer what it might be like to be in my shoes.’²
 
Through his artwork, Vincent Namatjira takes us on a journey, whether it be a focus on family or friends, Indigenous soldiers, Indigenous leaders, people in power and the Royal Family, giving us an insight into his world view. He is an acute observer of the connections between leadership, wealth, power and influence, and his work offers a critique of the principles of power through the depiction of contemporary significant political figures, such as US presidents and Australian prime ministers – thus revealing his interest in contemporary discourse around politics and history.
 
‘I’m interested in painting strong figures and leaders. We see them on the news and wonder how and why they make their decisions. These powerful people are far away from us here on the APY Lands, but when I paint them, it brings them right into the studio. I like to paint with a little bit of humour, humour takes away some of their power and keeps us all equal.’³
 
1. Vincent Namatjira, cited in Namatjira, V., Vincent Namatjira, Thames and Hudson, 2023, p.82
2. ibid.
3. Vincent Namatjira, cited in ‘Gina, Donald, Malcolm, Obama and Me’, in Cumpston, N. (ed), Tarnanthi, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, 2017, p. 82
 
CRISPIN GUTTERIDGE