Robert Nanala Tjapaltjarri

Robert Nanala Tjapaltjarri is a Senior Kukatja-Pintupi Man. His family are from Kukatja-Pintupi country near Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay) in Australia’s remote Western Desert.

Born in 1959, Robert, his brothers and his Mother and Father are well established Artists, painting for Walayirti Arts Centre in Balgo and the Papunya Art Centre in Alice Springs, they were part of the establishment of the Indigenous Art Industry. Robert now resides in Wirrimanu (Balgo) with his family, and visits Bidyadanga and Broome during the wet season.

Roberts paintings represent his connection with his country Wilkinkarra. He paints creation stories including Kangaroo dreaming and mapping of the desert where he grew up. You can see Spinifex, dunes, soakages and the desert coming to life after the summer rains in his art. With his original connection and knowledge of country, and his lived experience, Robert and his paintings are a very special part of Australia’s history.

When Robert is not painting with his family, he works in our judicial system to assist his people as an interpreter. He speaks 7 different First Nation Languages and English.