BIOGRAPHY

Wanatjura Lewis was born in 1952 in Ernabella (Pukatja) in the remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunyjatjara Lands in north western South Australia, and is the daughter of leading Ernabella artist, Tjulkiwa Atira-Atira. Her mother’s country is Kunamata and her father’s country is Pipalyatjara. Wanatjura moved to Amata with her family when she was ten years old. Wanatjura first worked with batik at Ernabella, before taking up painting at Tjala Arts (formerly Minymaku Arts).

Wanatjura is a dedicated painter at Tjala Arts, and has previously served on the Board of Directors. Together with her career as an artist, she is also a Director with the NPY Women’s Council, and is regarded as an important leader and teacher in the community more broadly. Wanatjura depicts the Seven Sisters and Wanampi Tjukurpa (creation stories), as well as inma in her richly detailed canvases.