This exhibition brings together artists from the Hermannsburg region – working in both ceramics and painting. Both hailing from different art centres, the artists use their experience within the landscape to inform their work, whether it be in ceramics or on paper, drawing on the rich colours of the area.
The landscape, flora and fauna, as well as the history of the region feature prominently in each artwork, having been made famous by the region’s best-known artist Albert Namatjirra. Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre has a special focus on supporting the ‘Hermannsburg School’ style watercolour artists, who continue to paint in the tradition of their grandfather and relative, Albert Namatjira, arguably one of Australia’s most famous artists of the 20th century. Albert Namatjira taught his children to follow in his unique style, who have since passed this knowledge on to their children, which has resonated in a legacy of watercolour artists in the Central Desert region.
Both the Hermmansburg Potters and Iltja Ntjarra / Many Hands Art Centre are proudly Aboriginal owned and directed, and have contributed to keeping the areas rich history and strong connection to Country alive for future generations.
The Western Aranda community of Ntaria (Hermannsburg) is based at the remote foothills of the stunning Western MacDonnell ranges, 130 kilometres west of Alice Springs, Central Australia. The township itself is the home of approximately 700 people, and the hub for 37 regional outstations, or ‘homelands.’ Many people from this area live and work in Alice Springs and access the Many Hands Art Centre as a touch point to their community.
