George Ward Tjungurrayi

George Ward Tjungurrayi was born in approximately 1945 near Kiwirrkurra in the Gibson Desert in Western Australia. He is the half brother of well known artists Yala Yala Gibbs Tjungurrayi (now passed away) and Willy Tjungurrayi. He still has a close relationship with Yala Yala’s youngest wife, Ningura Napurrula, who is a famous Indigenous artist herself. George Ward grew up living a traditional desert lifestyle immersed in his culture, customs and environment.

In his twenties he relocated to Papunya, an Aboriginal settlement several hours from Alice Springs in Central Australia. He began painting in 1984 and did so at various locations including Yayayi and Waruwiya Outstations around Mount Liebig and Kintore. At the time he worked alongside other artists including Joseph Jurra Tjapaltjarri and Ray James Tjangala. His paintings depict the Tingari Cycle which share stories associated with sacred sites near Lake MacDonald. He is the custodian for this Dreaming and the stories, ceremonies and cultural obligations associated with it. George will depict the journey paths created by the Tingari ancestors as part of the Tjukurrpa (Dreamtime). The Tingari are a group of spirits who travelled over vast stretches of the country performing rituals, sacred sites, and law. The Tingari men were usually followed by the Tingari women and accompanied by novices during their adventures. Central Art has a lovely example of one of his artworks.

In 1998, after the death of his half brother, Yala Yala, the responsibility of not only painting but also income fell to George. He is a senior desert man, who lives deep within the law of his culture and whilst a noted artists, he feels most at peace living in the desert. He began to paint and develop his own distinct and unique style. In 2004 he was awarded the Wynne Prize at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and had held several solo exhibitions and countless group exhibitions through his work with Papunya Tula Artists. His artwork is also held in several well known collections around Australia.

After the birth of his first child George and his wife Ngungawarra Ward Napurrula relocated to Warakuna. They have two daughters, with his daughter Gracie Ward Napaltjarri an exciting new talented artist herself. George and his family continue to reside between Warakuna and Alice Springs.