VINCENT NAMATJIRA

King Dingo is imbued with Namatjira’s signature biting and irreverent wit, depicting the dingo — a protector totem and symbol of Indigenous power — dressed in royal regalia. Namatjira says, “these new paintings are about a reversal of colonial ownership, looking at royalty and status from a remote Indigenous perspective. King Dingo represents Aboriginal strength, pride and resilience, and respect for Country, culture, and Indigenous leadership past and present. Long live the king!”

As part of the exhibition, Namatjira has invited collaborative artist duo Alec Baker and Eric Barney to present new paintings titled Ngura (Country), continuing the mentorship that was recently celebrated in The Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions: My Country. All three artists are based in Indulkana, South Australia, and together tell a powerful story of community, exchange, and experiences of Country.

Namatjira will also present a new video work, Indigenous All Stars, adapted from his commission projected onto the façade of the National Gallery of Australia. This work brings to life through animation Namatjira’s Indigenous heroes, including Eddie Koiki Mabo, Vincent Lingiari, Albert Namatjira, Adam Goodes, Cathy Freeman, Nicky Winmar, and the Tjilpi (senior men and elders) from his community. This work is accompanied by an original score created in collaboration with Indulkana-based guitarist-composer Jeremy Whiskey.

King Dingo will be presented from 31 August – 5 October 2024 at Ames Yavuz’s second Sydney space on Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills, Sydney.