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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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Desert Songs on show by Vincent Namatjira
HappeningsJuliet Taylor

Desert Songs on show by Vincent Namatjira

Yavuz Gallery foregrounds a cultural conversation with the unveiling of ‘Desert Songs’. The major exhibition by leading indigenous artist Vincent Namatjira OAM explores a vibrant narrative of personal histories through a series of bold and unapologetically political paintings.

Founded in Singapore (2010) and Sydney (2019), Yavuz Gallery aims to open a dialogue of intercultural relations through contemporary art. Since its establishment, it has grown to achieve status as one of the leading contemporary galleries in the Asia-Pacific region and represents a group of established and emerging artists from across the globe.

Amongst the bustling cultural conversations which inspire contemporary art, Yavuz Gallery stands poised to offer a fresh perspective with the unveiling of ‘Desert Songs’. This major debut exhibition, which will run from the 5th to the 28th of October in Sydney’s Surry Hills, celebrates the work of leading Western Aranda artist Vincent Namatjira OAM.

“Desert Songs” is an artistic odyssey that delves into intricate themes of leadership, power, and legacy. With thirteen new paintings, Vincent Namatjira OAM paints a vivid narrative of his own personal journey intertwined with the lives of influential figures who have shaped his background through art, music, and politics.

His unapologetically political works contemplate what it really means to be Indigenous, both in Australia and in a global context. Namatjira offers a perspective that examines Australia’s complex colonial history through the lens of contemporary Aboriginal expression.

Vincent Namatjira OAM, born in Alice Springs and now based in Indulkana on Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, South Australia, is a subversive portraitist who uses wit and heart to observe national and international politics with grace. A celebrated figure in the art world, Namatjira was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2020 and made history as the first Indigenous Australian artist to win the Archibald Prize in the same year.

He continues to shape Australia’s artistic landscape, with his unique children’s picture book painting a rich portrait of his great-grandfather, Albert Namatjira – one of Australia’s most iconic artists himself. His upcoming book, Vincent Namatjira, releases for purchase from the 31st of October and will feature insightful essays by prominent art figures as well as Vincent’s distinctive voice echoing through his work to offer an immersive glimpse into his unique perspective and creative evolution.

Vincent Namatjira’s “Desert Songs” at Yavuz Gallery is more than an exhibition; it’s a testament to the power of art in confronting complex historical narratives and fostering important dialogues in our evolving social world.

His work is a reflection of identity, history, and the enduring spirit of Indigenous Australia – and it invites us all to engage with these themes from the heart. Learn more.

Exhibition – Yavuz Gallery
Photography – Courtesy of the artist, Iwantja Arts and Yavuz Gallery, Jesse Lizotte

About the Author

Juliet Taylor

Juliet Taylor is one of the leading content writers for Indesign Media Asia Pacific where she publishes weekly research articles across multiple platforms. She graduated from the Australian National University in 2021, with a strong portfolio of academic writing as well as writing for entertainment. Her specialty is in media and philosophy, though she shares a passion for interior design with the Indesign Media conglomerate. Her work with Indesign Media covers a broad range of subjects including interior design trends, architectural advancements, materials and the evolution of modern construction, products and processes for a healthier home, and the proper care of flora. Juliet writes for both residential and commercial audiences and over the past year working with Indesign Media has produced research articles in the hundreds for architects and interior design enthusiasts alike.

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artAustraliaDesert SongsexhibitionGalleriesgalleryIndigenous artindigenous artistpaintingSydney

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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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