Petra Nampitjinpa b. 1966

Also known as Petra Turner Nampitjinpa
  • Artist (Painter)
Mt Liebig painter Petra Nampitjinpa was taught to paint on canvas in the early '80s by her sister Sandra, who was instructed by their father Paddy Tjangala. They were some of the first young women to begin painting for Papunya Tula.

Born at Papunya on 8 November 1966, Petra is the youngest daughter of Paddy Tjangala, who was an important figure in the Mt Liebig community. Her mother Betty Nungurrayi was from Haasts Bluff. The family spent time at Yuendumu and Papunya before settling at Mt Liebig, closer to Paddy’s Dreaming country. Petra began painting for Papunya Tula in the mid ’80s after instruction from her sister Sandra , who was in turn taught by their father. Petra usually painted Bushfire and Two Women Dancing Dreaming stories. In 1986 her work was included in the Moet & Chandon Touring Exhibition.

Writers:
Johnson, Vivien Note: primary biographer
Date written:
1994
Last updated:
2011