Renowned Western Aranda artist, Vincent Namatjira OAM, is set to showcase his second solo exhibition at the prominent contemporary art gallery Ames Yavuz.
Titled King Dingo, the exhibition will unveil a new and ambitious collection of artworks, complemented by two significant paintings created by the artistic duo Alec Baker and Eric Barney, both hailing from Namatjira's hometown of Indulkana, South Australia.
King Dingo is scheduled to be on display at Ames Yavuz's Sydney location on Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills from 31 August to 5 October.
The latest collection of Mr Namatjira's work showcases prominent artworks portraying a dingo adorned in majestic attire, reflecting the artist's distinctive sharp and audacious humour.
King Dingo unveils provocative portraits that boldly honour Aboriginal authority, inspired by Mr Namatjira's continuous exploration and connection to his great-grandfather Albert Namatjira's legacy, alongside his recent outdoor painting ventures in the natural landscape.
Mr Namatjira will also present a video piece derived from his recent façade project at the National Gallery of Australia, which lit up the building's exterior during the 2024 Enlighten Festival.
The piece, titled Indigenous All Stars, celebrates Namatjira's Indigenous heroes by animating historical and contemporary leaders such as Eddie Koiki Mabo, Vincent Lingiari, Albert Namatjira, Adam Goodes, Cathy Freeman, Nicky Winmar, and the Tjilpi from his community.
The project features an original score co-created with Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara guitarist-composer Jeremy Whiskey of Indulkana.
As a component of the exhibition, Namatjira has enlisted the collaborative artist duo Alec Baker and Eric Barney to showcase two new three-metre paintings that embody Ngura (Country).
Mr Namatjira has served as a mentor to the Indulkana-based duo, who were recently honoured in The Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions: My Country. Together, the trio of artists conveys a compelling narrative of friendship, interchange, and attachment to Country.
"These new paintings are about a reversal of colonial power and ownership," said Mr Namatjira
"King Dingo represents Aboriginal strength, pride and resilience, and respect for Country, culture, and Indigenous leadership past and present. Long live the king!"
Founding Director of Ames Yavuz, Can Yavuz, said he never expected the incredible journey he and Mr Namatjira would embark on together.
"When Vincent joined Ames Yavuz a year ago, I could not have imagined the remarkable journey we would embark on together," he said.
"It has been an honour getting to know Vincent as a person and as an artist, and to learn about his history and connection to Country.
"Vincent is undoubtedly one of the most important storytellers of his generation, and I couldn't be prouder to present his upcoming exhibition, King Dingo, in our new space in Sydney."
