c.1920s-2008
Country : Pirupa akla, NT
Language : Pitantjatjara

Pitjantjatjara artist Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri was born at Pirupa Akla, located south of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and west of Uluru.  His family lived a traditional nomadic lifestyle and he had minimal contact with non-Aboriginal people until his adolescence, after which time he lived in several missions, particularly Haasts Bluff.  He worked in various roles for rations, such as land clearing, mustering cattle and building but also, importantly, as a highly renowned traditional healer.

His paintings depict his birth country and are steeped in traditional knowledge. Although he only started painting in his 80s, he created a robust oeuvre and is viewed as a highly collectable and significant artist.