Wenten Rubuntja Arrernte, c.1926-2005
5 1/8 x 4 in
19 x 15 cm (frame)
7 1/2 x 5 7/8 in
Wenten Rubuntja (1923-2005) was an influential Arrernte artist, activist, and community leader. Inspired by his uncle Albert Namatjira, he learned painting by secretly practising the techniques he observed from his uncle, , eventually becoming a respected artist himself. He was known for painting in both the Hermannsurg watercolour tradition and the Papunya dot style. His works are held in the collections of the NGA, Araluen Arts Centre, Australian Parliament House and several other public collections. His knowledge of the often interlinked water sites in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and throughout the vast tracts of his Arrernte country, as with this painting, often featured in his work. This painting was acquired from the collection of the Western Arrernte/Pitjantjatjara cultural leader. elder and community spokesperson, the late Mrs A Hunt - a close friend to Susan McCulloch for more than 60 years.

