Reg Pengarte

Reg Pengarte is an Arrernte artist, born in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Reg’s paintings often depict common figures in his life, and also of his ancestors, from the Roper River area of the Northern Territory. Kangaroos, birds, reptiles, fish and turtles - how they are hunted, and with what type of weapon.

Reg paints rarrk, a fine technique of cross-hatching that is often associated with artists from Arnemland, the north-east corner of the Northern Territory. Reg was taught to paint this style by renowned artist Eddie Blitner Taiita, who used to be his brother-in-law. Rarrk designs often have a more stylised and figurative appearance, and are sometimes referred to as ‘x-ray style’. This style can be found on the inside of caves and rock formations, as well as being used on bark paintings, larrakitj memorial poles, and ceremonial body painting.