January Feature Artist :: Mitjili Napurrula

Mitjili Napurrula was born c1945 in Haasts Bluff, an area 200km west of Alice Springs. 

Mitjili inherited the right to paint works related to Ilyingaungau from her father Tapu Tjakamarra. Ilyingaungau is a site to the far west of Alice Springs where the artist’s Mutikatjirri ancestors assembled their kulata (spears) for a conflict with the Tjukula men.

Mitjili's works titled Watiya Tjuta depict the trees that are used to create spears, which are very important to men's ceremonial practice.  

Mitjili was taught the key imagery to depict her father's country, Uwalki, by her mother, who would draw in the sand. 

Mitjili was a finalist in the 14th Telstra NATSIAA (1997); and winner of the Alice Prize (Central Australian Art Award) (1999). Her work has been exhibited throughout Australia and overseas, and is held in many important public and private collections including the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artbank, and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.