Western Desert

Tjarlili Art services the Western Australian community of Tjukurla, a small outstation township south of Docker River. From humble beginnings as women’s centre initiatives in the 1990s, the art centre itself was only formed as a dedicated and independent organisation in 2006. The art centre is the only business in the town of approximately 40 people, and is a much needed resource for activities that support cultural and socio-economic objectives.

The early years of arts and crafts projects, defined a mature aesthetic and developed composition in painting practice from Tjarlili artists. This is also evidenced by strong familial connections to Papunya Tula and Warakurna. Commercial success and reputation had been established early on with work from key artists such as Nyarapayi Giles, Faith Gibson, Katjarra Butler, and Mary Gibson.