Vincent Namatjira OAM Named Among Australia’s 10 Most Culturally Powerful in AFR Magazine

24 Sep 2024

Vincent Namatjira named #1 among most culturally powerful people in Australia in AFR Magazine’s Power issue.

Michael Bailey writes, “It’s hard to remember when another Australian painting attracted this much attention.” The controversy over Gina Rinehart trying to get her portrait taken down from the walls of the National Gallery of Australia was one of the big stories of the year. There was a very clear view among the panel deciding on this year’s list that Vincent Namatjira belonged in number one position because of the way he defended his artwork.⁠

Director of the National Gallery of Victoria and Power issue panellist Tony Ellwood remarks, “He’s an essential Australian artist, who paints with complete honest and truth.”

Namatjira’s new body of work ‘King Dingo’ is on view until 5 October at Ames Yavuz, 114 Commonwealth Street, Sydney.

Image: Portrait of Vincent Namatjira OAM. Photographed by Louise Kennerley. Courtesy of the artist, Iwantja Arts, and AFR