Benjamin Landara (1921–1985) emerged as a foundational member of the renowned Hermannsburg Watercolour School, which began in the 1930s under the guidance of Albert Namatjira.

Born Ebatarinja and of Western Arrernte heritage, Landara married Namatjira’s eldest daughter Maisie in 1942 and began painting alongside his father-in-law by the late 1940s, absorbing and building upon his mentor’s refined approach to landscape painting.

Though initially influenced by Namatjira’s style, after the master’s death in 1959 Landara increasingly embraced his own artistic voice, producing luminous watercolors marked by harmonious pastel washes, delicate brushwork, and a deep sense of the country’s rhythm and light. These works often feature iconic landscapes such as Mt Sonder, the MacDonnell Ranges, and scenes from the Finke River region near Hermannsburg/Ntaria.

Beyond technique, Landara’s paintings carry a coded cultural narrative: his realistic portrayals of Country subtly reflect Arrernte spiritual heritage embedded within landscape forms. With excellent command of hue and form, his works have become highly valued by collectors and remain vital to the legacy of Australian Aboriginal landscape art.