Richard Nelson Pitjantjatjara, Australian, b. 1978

Richard Nelson is a Pitjantjatjara artist, gardener and senior arts worker living and working in

Mimili Community on the APY Lands. Born in Perth in 1978, Richard has family connections to

Mparntwe and Kurdnatta and has lived in Mimili for more than twenty years. He is a deeply

committed member of Mimili Maku Arts, where his quiet leadership, reliability and cultural

knowledge contribute to the everyday strength of the studio.

Richard’s paintings and prints celebrate family places near Parawalpi (Victory Well) and Sandy

Bore. His works recall camping trips, running water, rockholes, shared meals and the

experience of spending time together on Country. Rather than separating art from daily life,

Richard’s practice grows from looking after family, community and the land. His work as the art

centre’s gardener is another expression of this care, creating and maintaining a welcoming

place for artists. Richard is also a key member of the Mimili Maku Wati Group, a growing

movement of men working collectively across printmaking, painting, sculpture and found

materials. Richard first exhibited at Desertmob in 2024 and has since presented work in

exhibitions across Australia. In 2025 he was selected as a finalist in the Fremantle Arts Centre

Print Award, and his work is held in the Australian National University Collection.