Mitjili is the sister of renowned artists Turkey Tolson and is also a custodian of the Kulata (spear) tjukurrpa.

Mitjilis’ works are characterized by bold colour and strikingly original forms and she often depicts the country around Haasts Bluff (Ikunti) in the Kintore Ranges. Mitjili paints the trees that are used to make spears.

Her brother Turkey Tolson painted the Dreaming associated with the spear making itself. Mitjili was taught her father’s dreaming by her mother. Mitjili considers this to be one of her most important connections to her father because her father’s country, Ulwalki, is where the trees are found that provide the wood for spear making.

Mitjili Napurrula is married to celebrated painter Long Tom Tjapanangka and was awarded the 1999 Alice Prize at the Araluen Centre for the Arts in Alice Springs.

text from MukMuk Aboriginal Art