Clara Ngala Inkamala

Place: Hermannsburg

Born: 1954

Biography:

Clara Ngala Inkamala is a Western Aranda woman, born in 1954 in Hermannsburg, Northern Territory, Australia. She is a member of the Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and regularly experiments with materials, forms, and methods of making to depict the beauty of her country in the painting style of the Hermannsburg School. Clara Ngala Inkamala is also a member of the Hermannsburg Potters, a group of Aranda women who formed an arts centre in Hermannsburg, Northern Territory (Ntaria) who work with painted ceramics that draw on many influences, while strongly reflecting the distinctive visual Aboriginal culture of Central Australia.

Artistic Career and Style

Clara Ngala Inkamala's artistic style is characterized by her use of vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes, which reflect her connection to the land and her people. Her paintings often depict the landscapes and stories of her childhood, showcasing the unique culture and traditions of the Western Aranda people. Clara's artwork can be found in various collections, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the National Museum of Australia. Some notable works by Clara Ngala Inkamala include Aboriginal Hostel, which was featured at the Biennale of Sydney in 2019. This acrylic painting measures 58 x 64 cm and showcases the artist's unique style and technique.

Inspiration and Influences

Clara Ngala Inkamala is the granddaughter of Albert Namatjira, a famous watercolour artist from the Hermannsburg Community. Her family has a strong artistic tradition, with many relatives being watercolour artists, including her uncle Adolf Inkamala and her father Gerhard Inkamala. Clara's artwork is also influenced by the Hermannsburg School style, which is characterized by its use of vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes. Key aspects of Clara Ngala Inkamala's artistic career include:

• Her unique painting style, which reflects her connection to the land and her people.
• Her experimentation with materials and methods, which has led to the creation of innovative and vibrant artworks.
• Her involvement with the Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, which provides a platform for Arrernte artists to share their stories and showcase their talents.

For more information about Clara Ngala Inkamala's artwork, visit https://Wikioo.org/@/Clara-Ngala-Inkamala or check out the National Gallery of Modern Art collection on https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3C8XR.