Walala was born in the early 1960’s at Marua to the east of Kiwirrkurra in the Gibson Desert. He is a member of the Pintupi Nine. In 1984, nine member of Walala’s family emerged from living a nomadic lifestyle to make first contact with white settlers in Kiwikurra.  They are the last Australian nomads. Walala Tjapaltjarri was first introduced to painting by his brother Warlimpirrnga. Also a painter of international acclaim.  Walala’s first paintings were in the classical Tingari style, a series of sacred and secret mythological narrative in which is associated with his Dreaming sites.  In 1996 he developed his own style of work.  He began abstracting the classical Pintupi designs, creating a highly graphic language to speak of his country and ceremonial sites.  The rectangles so prominent in his paintings form both a physical and spiritual map relating to law. His style is strongly gestural and boldly graphic, and been compared to modern Europaen artist such as Dutch artist, Mondrian. One wonders how Walala, one of the last aboriginal nomads could think up such abstractions? Though it is known now that the more abstract the graphics are, the more sacred the meaning becomes in an effort to disguise aspects of the work. Therefore one can assume that these modern abstractions are designed to protect certain aspects of tribal culture.

His work is now exhibited in every major gallery around Australia including The National Gallery Of Australia.

Walala has gained worldwide recognition, participating in several national and international solo and group exhibitions.  His paintings are represented in private and public collections in Australia, Europe and the USA and form part of important historical record.