Ronnie Tjampitjinpa

Ronnie Tjampitjinpa is a senior Pintupi artist and one of the foundational figures of the Western Desert art movement. Born around 1943 at Tjiturrunya, west of Kintore in the Northern Territory, Ronnie grew up immersed in the Tjukurrpa (Dreaming) of his ancestral lands, travelling with his family across the desert before settling in Papunya during the early years of community establishment.

Ronnie was among the early group of Aboriginal men who began painting in the 1970s as part of the Papunya Tula Artists collective. Guided by senior lawmen and inspired by sand drawings, ceremonial body designs, and ground paintings, Ronnie translated the rich visual language of his culture into acrylic on canvas. His work helped pioneer a movement that would reshape the face of contemporary Australian art.

Known for his bold, geometric style and highly structured compositions, Ronnie’s paintings often depict powerful men’s Dreaming stories — including Tingari cycles, fire, and water Dreamings — as well as important sites associated with ancestral journeys. His use of repeating concentric circles, straight lines, and a strong palette reflect both the vastness and sacred complexity of the desert landscape.

Ronnie’s work has been exhibited widely across Australia and internationally, and is held in major public and private collections. In 1988, he was selected to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale, marking a historic moment for Aboriginal art on the world stage.

Throughout his career, Ronnie Tjampitjinpa has remained committed to cultural continuity and the transmission of knowledge. As a senior lawman and artist, he continues to paint with authority and vision, offering powerful insight into Pintupi culture and the enduring presence of Tjukurrpa across Country.