The work of artists taught by acclaimed Indigenous painter Albert Namatjira are on display in an exhibition at Max Galleria in Tewantin.
Works by Oscar and Maurice Namatjira, who were taught by their legendary father, along with those of Nelson Pannka, who was also a student of Namatjira, will be exhibited at the gallery until September 25.
Inspired by an unexpected experience by gallery curator Maxine Stibbe, the exhibition celebrates Aboriginal culture. It features works from those famous figures in Indigenous art, along with those of seven Sunshine Coast artists, under the theme “love of country”.
“A private collector suddenly passed by my gallery and asked me if I like Aboriginal art,” Ms Stibbe said.
“When he showed me some art pieces, the hairs on my arms instantly stood up. I knew I was in the presence of greatness.
“He said he was travelling with his mother in the 1970s and bought the works directly from the artists themselves, aka Albert Namatjira’s sons, Oscar and Maurice, and also Nelson Pannka, who were all students of Namatjira.
“They’re absolutely stunning — the sort of pieces you’d see in the National Art Gallery, or if you’re lucky enough, in someone’s private collection.”
The works will be among a collection of paintings, watercolours, photography, sculptures, ceramics, and jewellery from a diverse range of renowned artists, Rob McDonald (Gooreng), Domenique Wood, Tracey Mills (Bundjalung/Maori), Tara Robinson (TSI/BADU), Anne Harris, Maxine Stibbe, and Rhiannon Pineau.
Albert Namatjira is arguably Australia’s most famous Aboriginal artist who was both the pioneer and founder of the Hermannsburg School of Modern Art, an art movement characterised by watercolours using Western-style landscapes depicting luminous hues of the Central Australian outback.
In the mid-1930s, Namatjira was introduced at Hermannsburg Lutheran Mission to Australian landscape artist Rex Battarbee who first taught him watercolour techniques on a painting expedition to Palm Valley. This continued collaboration would have a decisive impact on Australian art.
Noted for the indelible totemic connections to country in his paintings, Namatjira’s style of using Aboriginal and Western elements is reflected in these iconic art pieces, which Ms Stibbe says demonstrates the love of country.
“The watercolours, the landscape of this beautiful Arrente country, instantly reminds you of Australia’s early art history,” Ms Stibbe said.
“It’s about the artist who does the making for me and you can tell that the country they’re from has been captured with love. I think these works really represent a care for country, a love of country. That shows it doesn’t matter whether they’re dots, stippling, cross-hatching, or X-ray vision.”
Ms Stibbe says combining local talent with legendary art pieces is testament to honouring the love of country — a deeply spiritual connection formed in the footsteps of Aboriginal ancestors.
“Even though the local works in this exhibition are contemporary, they’re still topographical and share the same theme,” she said.
“So, obviously, I curated it for that reason as people don’t come to Noosa Shire for urban mundanities, they come for the love of nature. This exhibition is meant to enhance that,” Ms Stibbe said.
Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal acrylic artist Tara Robinson, one of the acclaimed artists of the exhibition, says her love of country has been reflected in her art since childhood.
“One of the great expressions for my artworks is that it really represents my culture, about being on country, touching our earth, walking alongside it with our people and our animals, the sound of the sea, and that spiritual connection to our elders and our history,” Ms Robinson said.
Contributing Bundjalung/Maori acrylic artist Tracey Mills, who grew up in Mooloolaba and discovered her Aboriginality at age 13 through art, will be presenting works reflecting a deep connection with the ocean.
“My great grandmother comes from Bundjalung, which is Saltwater Country, so I try to express my love for the sea and stories of my own life. I have also developed a strong bond with Maroochy River and its legend,” Ms Mills said.
“The river was formed from Maroochy’s tears, so I love being near that body of water as it’s very healing.”
Art lovers can enjoy a multi-sensory experience while exploring the collection amid the live voice of Ms Stibbe’s photography mentee, singer-songwriter and photographer, Erin Jayne.
Max Galleria is located at 113 Poinciana Ave, Tewantin. The exhibition runs until Saturday, 25 September. See Facebook.com/max.galleria/
