‘King Dingo’ by Vincent Namatjira at Ames Yavuz

Sydney contemporary art gallery Ames Yavuz unveils its second solo exhibition of Vincent Namatjira, titled ‘King Dingo’.

On display from August 31 to October 5, this exhibition will showcase a bold, new body of work by the celebrated Western Aranda artist. Held at Ames Yavuz’s second Sydney space in Surry Hills, the exhibition promises to engage audiences with its powerful commentary on Indigenous leadership and cultural resilience.

‘King Dingo’ is a series of major paintings where Namatjira reimagines the dingo – an important figure in Indigenous culture – as a regal monarch.

‘King Dingo’ is a series of major paintings where Namatjira reimagines the dingo – an important figure in Indigenous culture – as a regal monarch. These works, characterised by Namatjira’s signature wit, offer a playful yet thoughtful commentary on power dynamics. The dingo, adorned in royal regalia, symbolises a reversal of traditional hierarchies, celebrating Aboriginal strength, pride and resilience.

Namatjira’s creative process for this series has been influenced by his ongoing research into his great-grandfather Albert Namatjira’s legacy and his recent plein air painting expeditions on Country. The new paintings are not merely artistic expressions but also reflections on Namatjira’s personal and cultural heritage, integrating an admiration for the past with a modern perspective.

These works, encapsulating Ngura (Country), reflect a shared narrative of connection and cultural exchange.

In addition to these paintings, Namatjira will also feature a video work titled Indigenous All Stars. Adapted from a facade commission projected onto the National Gallery of Australia during the 2024 Enlighten Festival, this piece brings Namatjira’s Indigenous heroes to life through vibrant animation. The video honours influential figures such as Eddie Koiki Mabo, Vincent Lingiari, Albert Namatjira, Adam Goodes, Cathy Freeman, Nicky Winmar and the Tjilpi (senior men and elders) from his community. Accompanied by an original score from Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara guitarist-composer Jeremy Whiskey, the work highlights Namatjira’s commitment to celebrating both historical and contemporary Indigenous leadership.

The exhibition also highlights Namatjira’s dedication to community and collaboration. He invited artist duo Alex Baker and Eric Barney – both from his home community in Indulkana, South Australia – to present two new three-metre paintings. These works, encapsulating Ngura (Country), reflect a shared narrative of connection and cultural exchange. Baker, a respected Elder and founding artist of Iwantja Arts, and Barney, a rising talent mentored by Baker and other senior artists, bring a sense of place and tradition to the exhibition.

The exhibition promises to engage audiences with its powerful commentary on Indigenous leadership and cultural resilience.

“These new paintings are about a reversal of colonial power and ownership,” says Namatjira. “‘King Dingo’ represents Aboriginal strength, pride and resilience and respect for Country, culture and Indigenous leadership past and present. Long live the king!” His words capture the essence of the exhibition – an unapologetic celebration of Aboriginal identity.

Ames Yavuz’s founding director, Can Yavuz, expresses his enthusiasm for the exhibition: “It has been an honour getting to know Vincent as a person and as an artist. Vincent is undoubtedly one of the most important storytellers of his generation, and I couldn’t be prouder to present his upcoming exhibition, ‘King Dingo’, in our new space in Sydney.” ‘King Dingo’ is not only an art exhibition but a meaningful dialogue between past and present, tradition and transformation.

Artwork by Vincent Namatjira, Alec Baker and Eric Barney.