Matthew West

Matthew commenced painting in Kintore for Papunya Tula Artist in 2001. Mathew’s family have a long history of painting.  His father was renowned artist Freddy Tjudugudi West Tjakamarra (1940-1994), his mother Payu Napaltjarri (b.1952) is also a well-known artist. Matthew has exhibited extensively with Papunya Tula as well as with Warlayirti Artists.

Matthew is a junior lawman who is learning important custodial men’s ceremonies. His country lies around Pali Pali Tjilkar. He was initiated at Kintore and participates in Tingari Law ceremonies. As a young boy he lived in Kiwirrkurra and he came to live in Balgo in 2006 and married “Aboriginal way” to Jolene Wise the granddaughter of Tjumpo Tjapanangka and Ningie Nanala. They many many children who were all born in the Derby hospital. He currently resides in Balgo.

Between 2020 and 2022 Matthew served as chairperson of Warlayirti Artists  and continues to serve as director. Matthew played a significant role in raising money with Papunya Tula Artists for remote dialysis in Kiwirrkurra and Kintore, Matthew is now working hard to get Purple House to Balgo so families can return home. Matthew has been instrumental in the success of Warlayirti Connection to Country program.