Kathleen Tjapalyi

Kathleen Tjapalyi is senior Pitjantjatjara woman committed to traditional law and culture. Kathleen was born at Iwantja, east of Mimili Community. Her father's country is Makirri, near Fregon and her mother's country is Iltur, near Coffin Hill. Her family travelled over from Watarru once they had heard that white people were handing out rations, so this is where KAthleen was born. Her family continued to move around before they settled and found work at Everard Park station, Mimili.

Kathleen grew up on the outskirts of Everard Park station and later worked at the station cleam=ning dishes and tending to the garden. Kathleen met her husband in Mimili (now deceased) and they had three children together. Her eldest son is now passed away, the younger two live with Kathleen in Mimili.

Kathleen Tjapalyi was raised in the bush and lived a traditional life. Kathleen has a huge knowledge of traditional inma and country and she continues to pass this on to the younger generations through her paintings and dance. Kathleen began painting late 2010, her marks are raw and her works are set to excite national and international markets.

Group Exhibitions

2012 One Song Different Tune, Short St Gallery, Broome, WA
Artworks of Kathleen Tjapalyi