ALBERT NAMATJIRA

Purchased from Albert Namitjira Exhibition, Sydney, circa 1950s; thence by descent
Private collection, New South Wales

Good condition. Some discoloration to upper left margin. Small tear bottom right (at base of tree). This painting is framed under glass.
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The ghost gum of central Australia is no doubt the most iconic of Namatjira's images; initially exhibited in his first solo show held at the Fine Art Society Gallery in Melbourne, 1938 it became a reccurring motif throughout his short career.

The prominent placement of the tree in Ghost Gum, MacDonnell Rangers renders it the subject of the picture. Placed in the immediate foreground, the tree stands at the perimeter of the horizontal landscape and frames the composition. It is almost a portrait with its delicate and particular treatment.

This careful attention to detail continues throughout the work. The high horizon line emphasises the rich texture of the land which is achieved through various methods of brushstroke, in both density and direction, and in paint application, with solid blocks of colour and more watered down areas. The rich ochres, purples and olives of Namatjira's country are drenched in an all encompassing and absolute light.

As Elywn Lynn explains, Namatjira's perspective of the landscape is a highly personalised and sensitive one. 'So symbolic of human feelings is this landscape that it never seems a stage awaiting its performers. The landscape performs.' ¹

1. quoted in Nadine Amadio, Albert Namatjira, Macmillan Australia, Melbourne, 1986, p. 8