Vincent Namatjira: A Lightness of Spirit is the Measure of Happiness

Vincent Namatjira is a Western Arrernte artist from Indulkana on the APY Lands, SA. Namatjira is the great grandson of Albert Namatjira and it was this connection that encouraged him to become an artist.

Vincent’s Namatjira’s new work, Welcome to Indulkana 2018, commissioned by ACCA for A Lightness of Spirit is the Measure of Happiness, brings together all the elements that make Namatjira’s work so relevant in our modern times. Namatjira has painted two of the most influential and controversial political figures in the world visiting his remote desert community of Indulkana, and in doing so he has shifted their power in an unexpected way. With a cheeky nod to his great grandfather, he has positioned himself in Albert’s famous green ute and placed himself centrally in the painting, ensuring all four of the men are now on the same level. Namatjira’s work shows an awareness of the disconnection that exists in the everyday lives of Aboriginal communities and the high-level decisions made on their behalf. Holding the aboriginal flag aloft, he places his community and culture at the centre of the world, as tensions between Trump and Putin play out in the wings, subtly subverting authority in a retelling of history with a mischievous twist.

This video was produced in partnership with Art Guide Australia.
Director: Sian Darling
Cinematographer: Ben Helweg