‘The composite self’, a theme in the exhibition ‘Looking Out, Looking In ’ at the Queensland Art Gallery until 6 August 2023 explores the multidimensional nature of identity, and the idea that our sense of self is informed by numerous influences, including our social circles and familial ties. For example, Vincent Namatjira ’s double portrait Albert and Vincent 2014 (illustrated) pays homage to his revered great-grandfather, the renowned Arrernte watercolourist Albert Namatjira , and the artistic dynasty he initiated at Ntaria (Hermannsburg).
Explore the subject of the self-portrait in our blog series where we consider our contemporary obsession with self against the backdrop of contemporary ‘selfie’ culture.
DELVE DEEPER: Introducting the self-portrait RELATED: Explore the self-portrait — a distinct form of portraiture
Davida Allen
Davida Allen, Australia b.1951 / Mother swinging her baby 1989 / Oil on marine plywood / Two parts: 90.5 x 115.8cm (overall, irreg.) / Gift of Julie Green and Frans Vandenburg in memory of Loti and Victor Smorgon through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation 2020. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Davida Allen Queensland artist Davida Allen’s raw, expressive paintings offer audiences a direct and cathartic view into her world. As she has explained, ‘I’ve constantly been painting pictures about the emotions that go through me. That’s the way I’ve resolved my problems in life’. As a young woman determined to make art despite the pressures of marriage and motherhood, Allen looked to her own experiences for subject matter — and has continued to share the events of her life through her art. Mother swinging her baby is a lyrical contemporary take on the timeless theme of mother and child, in which the artist and her infant daughter reach towards each other in a favourite game. The flowers that decorate Allen’s dress add to the celebratory and gently comical tone of the painting. Madonna Staunton
Madonna Staunton, Australia 1938 – 2019 / No one said 2010 / Synthetic polymer paint on canvas / 64 x 63.4 x 5cm (framed) / Purchased 2014 with funds from the Estate of Jessica Ellis through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Madonna Staunton Madonna Staunton, Australia 1938 – 2019 / They say 2010 / Synthetic polymer paint on canvas / 38 x 32.8 x 2.2cm (framed) / Purchased 2014 with funds from the Estate of Jessica Ellis through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Madonna Staunton Vincent Namatjira
Vincent Namatjira, Western Aranda/Pitjantatjara people, Australia b.1983 / Albert and Vincent 2014 / Synthetic polymer paint on linen / 120 x 100cm / Gift of Dirk and Karen Zadra through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation 2014. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Vincent Namatjira. Licensed by Copyright Agency Vincent Namatjira’s mother died when he was a child, and he was brought up away from his homeland and his extended family. Reconnecting with them as an adult, he now explores these experiences through his art. This double portrait features the artist and his late great-grandfather — renowned Arrernte watercolourist Albert Namatjira — and honours his artistic dynasty. Generations of artists from Ntaria (Hermannsburg) have continued the tradition that Albert established, working in watercolour, pottery and other art forms that celebrate his legacy and their own connection to Country. Vincent was drawn to make the painting after he visited the Queensland Art Gallery to view Albert’s watercolours and William Dargie ’s portrait of Albert, which won the 1956 Archibald Prize. Vincent spent hours in the Gallery making sketches of Dargie’s painting before completing Albert and Vincent from his home in the An angu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia.
‘Looking Out, Looking In: Exploring the Self-Portrait’ / Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery 4 / 11 March – 6 August 2023
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