Joyce Tjalyiri

Artist Joyce Tjalyiri was born in Areyonga, her mother’s homelands. She paints the Tjukurpa from her mother and father, who passed this onto her as she was growing up.

When she was a young girl, Joyce moved to Papunya, a small community known for its strong production of iconic Central Desert Art. Here she witnessed the production of art and the benefits of art centres in the community. 

Joyce moved to Mutitjulu in 1985, the year Anangu celebrated the handback of Uluru; she was involved in performing inma ceremony and creating community through song and dance. Joyce went on to become one of the founding members of Walkatjara Art, which created a strong sense of community through art making.  

She is a talented glassmaker and enjoyed making ceramics in Walkatjara’s early years. Today, Joyce is known for her colourfully painted canvases, and often depicts the Tjukurpa of “Minyma Kutjara”, a secret women’s tale passed onto her from her mother, connected to the rock and surrounding landscape.