Hubert Pareroultja, Tjoritja (West MacDonald rangers) II, 2020. Watercolour on paper, 74 x 56cm (framed). A selection of Hermannsburg pots in front. Courtesy: the artists and Bett Gallery, Hobart.

Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) is a not-for-profit Art Centre, proudly Aboriginal owned and directed. It is home of the Namatjira watercolour artists. The Art Centre was established by Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation in 2004 and incorporated as a separate entity in 2016. The Centre is strongly committed to improving economic participation of Aboriginal people and maintaining cultural heritage. It was established for Western Aranda artists to come together to paint, share and learn new techniques and ideas.

Iltja Ntjarra has a special focus on supporting the ‘Hermannsburg School’ style watercolour artists, who continue to paint in the tradition of their grandfather and relative, Albert Namatjira, arguably one of Australia’s most famous artists of the 20th century. Albert Namatjira taught his children to follow in his unique style, who have since passed this knowledge on to their children, which has resonated in a legacy of watercolour artists in the Central Desert region. By continuing his legacy, these artists sustain an important piece of living history.

The Hermannsburg Potters bring the vibrant landscape and spirit of Central Australia to life with their hand-crafted terracotta and underglaze pots. Taking inspiration from Country, culture, history and day to day life activities the Potters depict family, birds, animals, bush tucker, mission days, stories of Country and current life in Ntaria (Hermannsburg), based at the remote foothills of the MacDonnell Ranges, 130 kilometres west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.