Helicopter (Joey Tjungurrayi)

Helicopter Joey Tjungurrayi is well recognised as one of Warlayirti Artists’ leading artists and is a great ambassador for the Art Centre, painting with Warlayirti Artists since the early ‘nineties. Born at Nynmi, west of Kiwirrkurra in Western Australia, Helicopter was brought up in a traditional nomadic lifestyle, learning from childhood the location of water sources and how to hunt for bush food.

In 1957, the young Tjungurrayi became seriously ill while walking with his family on country: he was taken to the Old Balgo Mission for medical attention in a helicopter that had been doing mining exploration work in the area. The first helicopter that many of the people had seen, this important event is how he got his very memorable name.

At the mission Helicopter married Lucy Napanangka Yukenbarri. Together they had six children and grew up another two of Napanangka’s children from her first husband. They were together until Napanangka died in 2003. Two of his daughters, Christine Yukenbarri and Imelda (Yukenbarri) Gugaman, have become successful artists in their own right.

Helicopter was introduced to painting through his wife, in the late 90’s he began painting independently and gain recognition. Throughout his career Helicopter has had six solo exhibitions, has been a finalist in many prizes, exhibited and travelled nationally and internationally for his art and Country. Helicopter is a Maparn (traditional healer) and is an active Senior Lawman and Singer.