Helicopter Tjungarrayi © Warlayirti Arts Center, Balgo Hills, WA

Helicopter has painted some of his country south of Balgo, in the Great Sandy Desert. This country is named Wangkartu after the tjurrnu (soakwater) featured in the center of the painting. Wangkartu is an inta (living water) so it always contains drinking water. The parallel lines in the painting represent the tali (sandhills)that dominate the country. This is the coutnry where Helicopter was born. This extraordinarily powerful painting is set in a hand-carved and finished Italian frame.


USD $15000

Joey Helicopter Tjungurrayi is a highly-recognized senior painter working out of the Warlayirti Arts Center in Balgo Hills, Western Australia. In addition to his paintings, which have garnered world renown, he has been influential in promoting other Warlayirti artists.

Helicopter is part of a family of world-class artists. He began painting beside his late wife, Napanangka Lucy Yukenbarri and they established a devoted international followings. Helicopter also has talented children who are are establishing international prominence in their own right.