Ronnie Tjampitjinpa

Ronnie was born around 1943 near Muyinnga, about 100 km west of the Kintore Ranges. His family moved extensively across the Pintupi territory up through the Northern Territory, living the traditional ways, which his people have lived for over 40,000 years. Due to drought conditions in the 1950's Ronnie and his family moved towards Haasts Bluff and then later joined relatives at the newly settled Papunya Community. He found work as a fencer, making the yards for cattle in the surrounding area. It was during this time that he started to take an interest in the art movement happening at this time. Shortly after he started painting, he discussed with many people about moving back onto the traditional lands, which is the basis of their lives. His goal was made possible by the establishment of the Kintore settlement in 1981. By being more in touch with his traditional lands and the Dreamings. Ronnie soon emerged as one of Papunbya Tula's major artists.