Vincent Namatjira’s Regal Reimagining: RUSSH Magazine features ‘King Dingo’

3 Sep 2024

Vincent Namatjira’s solo exhibition King Dingo is featured in RUSSH Magazine. In her article, writer Ariela Bard captures the essence of Namatjira’s latest works, where the artist’s wit and cultural commentary shine through his portrayal of the titular character, King Dingo. Bard explains that, despite King Dingo being dressed as King Charles III, Namatjira revealed to the media, “King Dingo, he represents me.”

The article emphasises the painter’s bold style and his ability to fuse personal identity with larger historical narratives. In this series, Namatjira uses his iconic landscapes and vibrant depictions of Australia’s desert, linking back to his great-grandfather Albert Namatjira’s legacy. Bard notes that it is “the landscape that is written in Namatjira’s body,” as the artist continues to paint en plein air on his ancestral land.

As RUSSH notes, Namatjira continues to push boundaries with his colourful, large-scale portraits, following his acclaimed successes, including winning the Archibald Prize in 2020 and the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to visual arts.

King Dingo is on display at Ames Yavuz Gallery in Sydney at Commonwealth Street until 5 October 2024.

Image: Profile of Vincent Namatjira at Iwantja Arts, 2023. Photographed by Rohan Thomson. Courtesy of the artist and Iwantja Arts