Wentja Napaltjarri

Wentja Morgan Napaltjarri was a Pintupi woman and the daughter of Shorty Lungkata Tjungurrayi, one of the original founders of the Western Desert art movement and one of his wives, Napula Nangala. She was born at Malparinga circa 1943, and grew up west of Kintore in her father's country, located in the Gibson Desert.

Wentja began her career, painting for the community art centre, Watiyawanu Artists. She became a respected elder of her community and a custodian of traditional law.   Her culture remained central to who she was and how she lived and worked. Wentja’s work has been exhibited in leading Australian and international exhibitions, including the 2003 exhibition Masterpieces from the Western Desert, in London.  Learn more about Wentja in her bio.