Design and Art Australia Online

Born at Pikilyi (Vaughan Springs) c.1940, Charlie’s language/tribe was Warlpiri/Luritja. He received some basic European schooling at the mission school in Yuendumu, and was initiated near Haasts Bluff. He worked as a stockman for seven years on the station at Haasts Bluff and later in Queensland. After marrying Nora Nakamarra, he worked on Narwietooma station for many years. Charlie and his wife came to Papunya in the very early days of the settlement. They had two sons and two daughters, of whom Natalie Corby began painting in the early ’80s under her father’s instruction. Charlie Egalie lived with his family at Mt Liebig, where his mother and father were settled closer to their country round Kunatjarrayi. Charlie himself dated his painting from Peter Fannin’s time running Papunya Tula Artists (1972-5). Billy Stockman , Kaapa Tjampitjinpa and Johnny Warangkula guided him in the beginning. His paintings depict Woman, Sugar Ant, Budgerigar, Wallaby, Bushfire, and Man Dreamings at sites across this region. Nora Egalie Nakamarra occasionally painted stories of her country at Kunatjarrayi after her husband showed her how to paint in 1989.

Writers:

Johnson, Vivien Note: primary biographer

Date written:

1994

Last updated:

2011