Albert Namatjira

Anou Rothschild

northern territory (Australia)

Born Elea Namatjira 28 July 1902
- Macdonnell Ranges in central Australia (northern territories)
Died Albert Namatjira 8 August 1959 (after moving to a christian mission his parents baptitized and renamed him)
- Alice Springs (northern territories)
Water colour painter (contemporary indigenous australian art) - most famous aboriginal artist of his generation

because he grew up on a mission from a young age it meant that he had to be taught aboriginal traditions and meant that at 13 he spend 6 months in the bush to prepare and learn from elders for his initiation ritual.
He began painting aboriginal myths and dreams, he then used them to earn money(selling small pieces). Finally, when two artists visited the mission to exhibit their work it inspired him to pursue it seriously.
Two years late he and one of the painters started a deal where in exchange for good places to paint Albert would be taught technique.
in 1938 he had his first exhibition in melbourne which was sold out (similar in other cities too!)
- even the Queen liked his work.
His western style landscapes differ him from traditional aboriginal art (earning him his fame).
His fame made him and his wife the FIRST aborigines to be granted australian citizenship.
- In the indigenous tradition he shared the wared he was now allowed to buy with his community. This, however, broke the white man's law and got him into a law suit. He spent two months in prison and left a broken man.
- He had lost his will to paint and died in 1959