Collection: George Hairbrush Tjungurrayi

 George Hairbrush Tjungurrayi arrived at Papunya in 1962 after journeying from the Gibson Desert. When the Desert Art movement emerged there in 1971, he initially supported other senior artists. Encouraged by lawman Nosepeg Tjupurrula, Tjungurrayi began creating his own paintings around 1976. His work during the 1970s and early 1980s reflected the imagery common among leading Pintupi artists of the time, such as Anatjari Tjamptjinpa and Yala Yala Gibbs.

By the mid-1980s, Tjungurrayi entered a more experimental phase, expanding his palette beyond traditional earth tones while continuing to depict Tingari cycle narratives. These sacred stories, connected to key sacred sites including his birthplace Wala Wala, describe Ancestral journeys. Alongside fellow Papunya artists like his brother Willy, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula, Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, and Mick Namarari, his art from this period contributed to a significant evolution in the movement. Their works moved away from specific narrative conventions, instead drawing power directly from Tingari law through distinctive visual languages often inspired by ceremonial objects, featuring intricate parallel lines and interlocking motifs.

Tjungurrayi solidified his reputation with solo exhibitions in the late 1990s, inclusion in the Wynne Prize, and representation in major collections, remaining a vital figure from the early Papunya era who continues to create significant work.