Johannes Katakarinja passed away in May 2013. He was the son of Yvonne Williams and Ambrose Katakarinja. He was born in Ntaria (Hermannsburg community). The name “Katakarinja” is the Aboriginal name for Mt Zeil which often appears in Johannes’ works. From just 13 years old Johannes learnt to paint in the watercolour style by his grandfathers and uncles. His mentor was his grandfather Walter Ebatarinja. As a teenager Johannes would skip school to head out to Palm Valley with his grandfather to paint. Johannes’ career has involved various important commissions including painting the mural at the Hermannsburg Finke River Mission Store. Johannes began painting at Ngurratjuta Iltja Ntjarra, Many Hands art centre in 2010. 

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• 2017 Queensland Art Gallery Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, QLD