Michael Atira-Atira was born “in the bush” at Ernabella in about 1942. Both his parents were Pitjantjatjara speakers – his mother’s country is on the Western Australian border at Pipalyatjara, and his father’s country is closer to Ernabella, near Kanypi, a place called Mulayanyu. Michael grew up at the Ernabella mission, attending Ernabella school. After leaving school, Michael’s work options were tending and shearing sheep on the mission and building many of the still existing buildings at Ernabella. During 1988, Michael spent some time in Alice Springs with his wife Tjulkiwa Atira-Atira , and they both learnt to use acrylic paints there. Michael is currently living at Ernabella with his wife and six children, and is still enjoying using acrylics principally to depict scenes of his father’s country.
- Writers:
- Johnson, Vivien
- Date written:
- 1994
- Last updated:
- 2011
