Tjutjuna first came to Ernabella Arts in 2011, for the inaugural Wati Workshop in the Ceramics Studio. For many years Tjutjuna has worked for APY as the Mining Liason Officer. His late father, Andy Tjilari, is a well known ngangkari who has worked for NPY Women’s Council for a long time. His wife, Tjimpuna Williams, is one of Ernabella’s most famous ceramic artists and together they undertook a ceramic residency in Singapore in late 2014.
Tjutjuna’s mother’s and grandmother’s country is near Kanpi in the Western APY Lands. It is the country of the emu, meaning the emu or kalaya is the creation being that formed that part of the country. This is the story which Tjutjuna tells in his work.
Tjutjuna’s work has been acquired for the collection at Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs. His art has also been exhibited around Australia, including in Rising Stars 2016: New Directions at Outstation Gallery, Darwin, and in Yangupala Tjuta Waakarinyi (Many Young People Working) at the prestigious Sabbia Gallery, Sydney.
