Albert Namatjira, Western Arrarnta people, not titled [Hermannsburg watercolour], c.1951

Context: Albert Namatjira (1902-1959) was perhaps the best known Aboriginal painter, and one of Australia’s great artists. He blended traditional use of colour with Western-style landscapes, which brought him fame and Australian citizenship – a first in a time when Aboriginal people had few rights. Namatjira’s intricately detailed watercolours of the Australian outback gave rise to the Hermannsburg School of Aboriginal art. His early works transmitted the same spiritual connection with the land as more traditional Aboriginal art, and he represented his love of trees through lovingly rendered portrait-like paintings. Unfortunately, the tragedy of racial injustice destroyed Namatjira’s career and life. He was imprisoned for allegedly supplying alcohol to Aboriginal people, and by the time he was released had lost his desire to paint and enthusiasm for life: he died the following year, aged only 57.