Mantua Nangala

Mantua Nangala, born at Tjulyurru in the Western Desert of Western Australia, is a senior Pintupi artist and respected custodian of women's ceremonial knowledge. Her early life was shaped by the displacement of her family, who were among the last groups to leave the Gibson Desert in the early 1960s, eventually settling in Papunya in 1964.

Coming from a lineage of esteemed artists, Mantua is the daughter of Anatjari Tjampitjinpa and sister to Ray James Tjangala, Yinarupa Nangala, and George Yapa Tjangala. She began painting in 1998, inspired by observing her father and husband, Yumpululu Tjungurrayi, at work.

Mantua's artworks predominantly depict the sacred women's sites and Dreaming narratives associated with her Country, including locations such as Marrapinti, Mukula, and Yunala. Her paintings are characterised by intricate dot work and shimmering lines that represent the sandhills and ceremonial sites of the Western Desert.

Beyond her artistic practice, Mantua has been actively involved in community health initiatives, serving as a board member and Chair of the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation and as a board member of the Kintore Clinic.

Mantua Nangala's contributions to Aboriginal art have been widely recognised, with her works held in major collections both nationally and internationally.