Exploring Vincent Namatjira’s ‘King Dingo’ on 2SER Breakfast Radio

28 Aug 2024

Programme Director Alanna Irwin recently discussed Vincent Namatjira’s exhibition, King Dingo, on 2SER Breakfast Radio. This marks Namatjira’s second exhibition with Ames Yavuz, now open at their second gallery space in Sydney. The exhibition continues to delve into recurring themes of power and leadership in his art.

Irwin explained that Namatjira’s work invites viewers to rethink ideas of leadership and national identity. A key element of the exhibition is the “Dingo”, which Namatjira regards as a protective totem, symbolising Aboriginal leadership and reflecting broader concepts of power, culture, and country.

Irwin also touched on Namatjira’s mentorship with Alec Baker, founder of Iwantja Art, and Eric Barney, who was a part of the National Gallery Victoria’s My Country exhibition. Both will be showcasing collaborative works in the current King Dingo exhibition. Additionally, the artist’s adapted video projections, Vincent Namatjira: Indigenous All Stars, from his major survey exhibition at The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra earlier this year, now complements the gallery space at Ames Yavuz.

The interview segment starts at 2:17:35 minutes.

Image: Installation view of Vincent Namatjira’s ‘King Dingo’, Ames Yavuz Sydney, Commonwealth Street, 2024. Photographed by Felipe Olivares Barreto. Courtesy of the artists and Iwantja Arts.