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Albert
Namathira

Australia • 1902−1959

Albert Namatjira, Namatjira, July 28, 1902, Hermannsburg, near Alice springs, Northern territory — August 8, 1959, Alice springs) Australian painter. Birth name of Elea (Elea). Origin native from the band Aranda.

Known as the Creator of watercolors depicting landscapes of the desert areas of Australia. The main representative of the school of watercolor landscape in Hermansberg (eng. Hermannsburg School).

Studied watercolor techniques under the guidance of Rex Battarbee (Battarbee, Rex, 1893-1973) (1934-1936). In 1938 his work was exhibited in Melbourne and were all purchased. After the show, there were new orders for his paintings. The following exhibitions were held in Sydney and Adelaide. In 1953, Namatjira received from the Queen of great Britain medal (Coronation medal), and in 1954 he met the Queen in Canberra.

In 1957, Namatjira acquired Australian citizenship (which the vast majority of aboriginal people had been deprived until 1967), which meant a partial withdrawal of discriminatory restrictions, due to its origin (he's got the right to vote, could own land, to buy alcohol).

In the last year of life, Namatjira was sentenced to 6 months in jail for selling alcohol to aborigines, had been imprisoned for 2 months. Following the liberation was in a depressed state of mind, nevertheless continued to paint. A few months died from heart disease in the hospital Alice springs.

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