Nyarapayi Giles Australian, Ngaanyatjarra, c. 1940-2019

Nyarrapyi Giles is one of the respected elder women of the Tjukurla Community. She was born in the bush at Kaarku west of Warakurna in Western Australia. She travelled throughout the Western Desert Region with her mother and step-father, hunting, gathering bushtucker and camping in the traditional way of her ancestors. Her knowledge of the Inma (ceremonies) Tjukurpa (dreaming stories) associated with the country here is extensive. Nyarrapayi settled in Tjukurla when the community was first established in the 1980's. She workes with 'punu' (wood carving), painting and still enjoys hunting in the bush. She learned to make baskets woven from spinifex in the 80's and has a large basket on permanent exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery.

Nyarapayi Giles works explore her country and associated Tjukurrpa in an exquisite and unique expression of colour and movement. Nyarapyi has gained recognition as a key artist amongst her peers in the Contemporary Indigenous Art movement. Her works are collected by collectors and institutions in Australia and internationally.