Born: c. 1935 Anamarapiti WA
Language: Pitjantjatjara
Country: Irrunytju
Region: Western Desert WA

Tommy paints stories from both his mother’s and his grandfather’s country. His topographical paintings of thickly dotted layers are bold yet subtle, expressing the unique landforms of his country and the Tjukurpa law that inspires his artistic practice. In 2001, Tommy was one of the founding artists of the Irrunytju art centre. It was here that Tommy was taught to paint and his painting career has taken off ever since. Today he stands as one of Australia's most renowned Aboriginal Artists in Australia and around the world.  In 2005, Tommy was commissioned along with Ningura Napurrula, Lena Nyadbi, Michael Riley, Judy Watson, John Mawurndjul, Paddy Bedford and Gulumbu Yunupingu to produce artwork to be permanently installed in the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris, France, which officially opened in 2006. Tommy’s work is held in the Musee du Quai Branly, Paris, France and major institutions in Australia including National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and Art Gallery of NSW.