Tjawina Porter (1931 - 2024) grew up in the desert near Yumara where she lived the traditional nomadic lifestyle with her family. After the death of her father, her family moved to the newly established government settlement of Papunya. Porter then lived in Tjukurla, a remote Indigenous community in the Western Desert of Australia. She was a skilled craftsperson and well known as a traditional basket weaver, before later being recognised for her paintings
Her artworks represent the traditional homelands associated with her people’s ancestral heritage. The iconography depicts sand dunes known as “tali” and rock escarpments known as “puli”, as well as waterholes and food sources. Her designs are often used in body art during traditional corroborees. The artworks depict the physical markings that the ancient ancestors have provided, giving evidence of their activities during the time of creation. Porter's artworks are rich in symbolism and fine detail, with brushwork and dots travelling steadily across the canvas to reveal the undulating forms of her country. Her extensive cultural and topographical knowledge are evident in her paintings, which evoke the movement and energy of desert landscapes. Porter gained worldwide recognition, participating in many national and international group exhibitions. Her works are represented in significant private and public collections in Australia and overseas.