‘My paintbrush is my weapon’ – a powerful statement made by Western Arrernte artist Vincent Namatjira at the opening of P.P.F. (Past-Present-Future) (2021), Museum of Contemporary Art Australia’s latest Circular Quay Foyer Wall Commission and the artist’s largest work to date.
The hand-painted mural asserts identity, sovereignty, pride and resilience in its depiction of seven Aboriginal figures significant to the artist’s life and practice: former AFL football player Adam Goodes; land rights campaigner Eddie Koiki Mabo; famous bantamweight boxer Lionel Rose; Vincent’s great-grandfather Albert Namatjira; the artist’s late father-in-law and musician, Kunmanara (Jimmy) Pompey; and an Aboriginal stockman who represents male elders from his community of Indulkana
in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) region in South Australia; as well as a self-portrait. On view now.
Artist Vincent Namatjira with P.P.F. (Past-Present-Future), 2021, commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2021, supported by Veolia Environmental Services. Photograph: Daniel Boud. © the artist. Courtesy the artist, Iwantja Arts, South Australia and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney
