Willy Tjungarrayi was born at Patjantja, south-west of Lake Mackay c.1930 he was raised by his fathers brother, Charlie Tarawa Tjungarrayi, who was one of the founding members of the Western Desert pictorial movement. The younger brother of Yala Yala Gibbs Tjungarrayi, It was his uncle Charlie's camels and assistance which eventually brought the family and other Pintupi people to Haasts Bluff in December 1956 and from there eventually on to Papunya. In June of 1974 Willy participated in a visit to Yayayi, Kulkuta and Yawalyuru sponsored by the Australian Institute for Aboriginal Studies, an event that also included his brother Yala Yala, John Tjakamarra, George Yapa Tjangala along with others.

Willy Tjungarrayi is a very successful aboriginal artist and his paintings are much sought after for investment and pleasure.

• Art Gallery of NSW
• National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
• National Gallery of Victoria, Holmes a Court
• Victorian Center for the Performing Arts
• Kluge Collection, Virginia USA
• Aboriginal Artists of Australia, 1981
• Dot and Circle 1985
• Twenty Five Years and Beyond 1999
• Papunya Tula Genis and Genius, 2000