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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Nyangatja Ngayuku Mara (These are my hands), 2023

Rhett Hammerton

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024 Finalist

pigment photographic print on paper (frame: 122.9cm x 82.9cm depth 3.8cm)

Rhett Hammerton
born Australia 1981

Nyangatja Ngayuku Mara (These are my hands) 2024
pigment photographic print on paper

‘Ngayuku marangku, ngayulu waraka pulka tjuta palyani. Ngayulu anangu tjuta alpamilani, titjtjarangku. Ngayunku mama, ngangkari pulka mulapa, paluru ngura iriti wiyaringku. Paluru ngayunya nintinu ngangkari-tjanku anangu tjuta ngangkaritjanku. Paluru ngayulu tjunu uwankaru paluru kanyitja, ngayuku marangka ngangkari nyinatjaku. Ka anangu tjutangku, ngayuku photo nyakula, tjana nintiringi ngayuku tjurkupa munu ngayuku warka pulka mulapa Ngangkari palyatja tjuta mulapa.

I work with my hands, doing important Ngangkari work. I’m helping people with my hands all the time. My father, he was a famous Ngangkari, but he passed away a long time ago. He taught me everything I know about healing people. He put the special healing properties into my hands. When people see my photo, they will learn about my story, and about all the important work that Ngangkaris do.’
– Maringka Burton, Pitjantjatjara artist and Ngangkari (traditional healer)

Rhett Hammerton is based between Meanjin/Brisbane and Mparntwe/Alice Springs. His practice is underpinned by respect, collaboration and creativity.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024

Other NPPP photos from Rhett Hammerton

Pulangkita pitjangu (When the blanket came), 2019 Rene Kulitja and Rhett Hammerton
2020 Finalist
Katherine, NT / Harrietville, VIC, 2017 by Rhett Hammerton
2018 Finalist
Cliffy, 2015 by Rhett Hammerton
2016 Finalist
Kumantjayi, 2010 by Rhett Hammerton
2011 Finalist
© National Portrait Gallery 2024
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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia

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ABN: 54 74 277 1196

The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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