Albert and Vincent 2014

Vincent Namatjira's mother died when he was a child, and he was brought up away from his homeland and his extended family. Reconnecting with them as an adult, he now explores these experiences through his art. This double portrait features the artist and his late great-grandfather — renowned Arrernte watercolourist Albert Namatjira — and honours his artistic dynasty. Generations of artists from Ntaria (Hermannsburg) have continued the tradition that Albert established, working in watercolour, pottery and other art forms that celebrate his legacy and their own connection to Country.

Vincent was drawn to make the painting after he visited the Queensland Art Gallery to view Albert's watercolours and William Dargie's portrait of Albert, which won the 1956 Archibald Prize. Vincent spent hours in the Gallery making sketches of Dargie's painting before completing Albert and Vincent from his home in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia.