Journey to the heart of the Northern Territory and discover the remarkable story of the Pintupi Nine, a group of artists who transitioned from living a traditional, nomadic lifestyle in the Gibson Desert to becoming internationally acclaimed figures in Aboriginal art.

Their works, from powerful depictions of sacred Dreaming stories to abstract geometric designs, have captivated audiences worldwide, blending traditional culture with modern artistic expression.

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The Pintupi Nine, often referred to as "The Lost Tribe," were part of the Pintupi people, one of the last Indigenous groups to maintain an entirely traditional, nomadic life. They lived in the remote Gibson Desert, near Lake Mackay, in what is now Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Unlike other Pintupi people, who were moved to government settlements in the mid-20th century, their father actively chose to remain in the desert. Their remoteness, coupled with the late construction of major roads, contributed to their prolonged isolation.

Their isolation persisted until the early 1980s, with the death of their father. The widows sent Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri (in his mid-20s) and his older half-brother Piyirti to search for their long-lost relatives. Fortunately, this coincided with the growing homelands movement, which saw their relatives establish the Kiwirrkurra community. This proximity set the stage for their inevitable first contact.

In October 1984, Warlimpirrnga and his brother Piyirti encountered a clothed Pintupi man named Pinta Pinta at a borehole near Kiwirrkurra. The encounter startled them, and they fled. News of this sighting spread quickly, and a search party was formed.

The search party, composed mostly of relatives, tracked the group. After three tense days, they found Yukultji Napangati and Yalti Napangati. At first, they resisted, fearful of the modern world. However, when Warlimpirrnga arrived, he recognized the voices of his kin. The moment of recognition dissolved their fear, marking the beginning of their transition.

Unlike many first contact stories, the Pintupi Nine’s introduction to the modern world was mediated by extended family who had left the desert years earlier, rather than government officials. This familial connection provided a bridge of understanding, allowing them to gradually navigate their new reality.

Adjusting was not without challenges. In their first weeks in Kiwirrkurra, they struggled with new foods and concepts like money. Yet, they quickly adapted, and within a decade, several members had become key figures in the Aboriginal art world.

The Pintupi Nine’s art transformed the global art landscape, with each artist contributing to a unique and captivating body of work.

Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, a leader among the group, quickly became internationally recognized for his paintings of the sacred Tingari Cycle. Exhibited globally, his works represent one of the most significant contributions to contemporary Aboriginal art, including a landmark solo exhibition in New York in 2015.

Thomas Tjapaltjarri (c. 1964–2024), was known for his intricate geometric designs and spiritual narratives based on the Tingari Cycle. His works were collected by institutions such as the Hank Ebes Collection in Melbourne and the Luciano Benetton Collection in Venice. His passing in 2024 underscores the importance of preserving his extraordinary legacy.

Walala Tjapaltjarri is renowned for transforming sacred sites into contemporary abstract masterpieces, featuring bold, graphic forms. As the last of the male artists still painting, his works are long overdue for a reassessment of their significance. Held in major collections worldwide, his art continues to be a testament to his unique vision and cultural legacy.

Yukultji Napangati, known for her precise dot work and earthy tones, captures the landscape of the Gibson and Great Sandy Deserts. A winner of the 2018 Wynne Prize, her paintings are housed in major collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and Harvard Art Museums, and are sought after by private collectors, including Beyoncé and Jay-Z.