Vincent Namatjira’s ‘Desert Songs (Albert Namatjira)’ Acquired by The National Gallery of Victoria

1 Nov 2024

We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Vincent Namatjira’s Desert Songs (Albert Namatjira) by the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.

Currently on display in the permanent collection alongside his great-grandfather’s watercolour Finke River Gorge (c.1956), Vincent Namatjira’s portrait of Albert reflects on Australia’s perceptions of cultural leadership, landscape and legacy. Vincent uses his distinctive style to re-imagine the celebrated 1956 portrait of Albert Namatjira by William Dargie, placing him back in the midst of the MacDonnell Ranges. Vincent incorporates a softer, fluid approach to his subject in this moving tribute to family and Country.

The work is on view on level 2 of The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Fed Square.

Image: Installation view of the work by Vincent Namatjira and Albert Namatjira at the NGV