Richard Nelson

Richard Nelson is a Pitjantjatjara artist, gardener and senior arts worker living and 
working in Mimili Community on the APY Lands. Born in Perth in 1978, Richard has 
family connections to Mparntwe and Kurdnatta and has lived in Mimili for more than 
twenty years. He is a deeply committed member of Mimili Maku Arts, where his quiet 
leadership, reliability and cultural knowledge contribute to the everyday strength of 
the studio. 

Richard’s paintings and prints celebrate family places near Parawalpi  
(Victory Well) and Sandy Bore. His works recall camping trips, running water, 
rockholes, shared meals and the experience of spending time together on Country. 
Rather than separating art from daily life, Richard’s practice grows from looking after 
family, community and the land. His work as the art centre’s gardener is another 
expression of this care, creating and maintaining a welcoming place for artists. 
Richard is also a key member of the Mimili Maku Wati Group, a growing movement 
of men working collectively across printmaking, painting, sculpture and found 
materials.  

Richard first exhibited at Desertmob in 2024 and has since presented work in 
exhibitions across Australia. In 2025 he was selected as a finalist in the Fremantle 
Arts Centre Print Award, and his work is held in the Australian National University 
Collection. 

Selected Group Exhibitions 
2026 Mimili Maku, 8 Hele Gallery, Mpwartne  
2026 Desertmob, Araluen Arts Centre, Mpwartne 
2025 Kililpi Tjuta – Star Story, 8 Hele Gallery, Mpwartne 
2024  Tjintu Kutju Kililpi Tjuta, Maitland Regional Gallery, Maitland 
2024 Wankaringanyi – Waking Up, APY Gallery, Sydney 
2024 Desertmob, Araluen Arts Centre, Mpwartne 

Selected Art Prizes 
2025 Finalist, 47th Fremantle Arts Centre Print Award, Fremantle 

Collections 
ANU University Collection