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ALBERT NAMATJIRA

adoption of Christianity. He was born as Elea, but once baptised, they changed his name to Albert. After a western style upbringing on the mission, at the age of 13 Namatjira returned to the bush for initiation and ws exposed to traditional culture as a member ofa the Arrernte community (in which he was to eventually become an elder).

He developed the love and respect of his land that is seen in his works. After he returned, he married his wife Rubina at the age of 18. His wife, like his father's wife, was from the wrong "skin" group and he violated the law of his people by marrying outside the

Early life

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Important achievments

Namatjira started painting in a unique style. His landscapes normally highlighted both the rugged geological features of the land in the background, and the distinctive Australian flora in the foreground with very old, stately and majestic

white gum trees surrounded by twisted scrub

Interesting facts