Vincent Namatjira: “The Paintbrush is my Weapon”

Photography by Alexander Cooke

Vincent Namatjira is a Western Aranda artist whose bold, irreverent portraits flip the script on Australian history and power. Born in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and now painting out of Iwantja Arts in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia, he came to art later in life – sparked by the discovery of his great-grandfather Albert Namatjira’s legacy. 

Known for inserting himself into the frame with political figures, sports stars and musicians, Namatjira uses humour and heart to challenge who gets remembered. In our rapid-fire interview below, he shares why his paintbrush is his weapon, what happiness looks like in the desert and his firm stance on never going near the ocean.

Arts-Matter: What is your motto?

Vincent Namatjira: Stand strong for who you are / The paintbrush is my weapon.

A-M: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

VN: I’m happiest out on Country painting, in my big outdoor studio, no-one to disturb me except for the birds.

A-M: Who are your heroes in real life?

VN: Albert Namatjira, my great-grandfather. When I research Albert Namatjira’s life, when I look at his work, and when I paint our Country myself, I can feel him teaching me too, and I feel at peace.

Also Tony Albert – a friend, a mentor, an inspiration, a brother.

A-M: What is your most treasured possession?

VN: Possessions don’t mean that much to me – the most important things in my life are my three daughters and my grandson.

A-M: What is your greatest fear?

VN: The ocean – sharks, stingrays, and poisonous jellyfish! I’m a desert man from Central Australia, so I keep away from the ocean.