Willie was born in the desert at Patjantja, south of Kiwirrkura in Western Australia.

Willie was raised in the bush by his uncle Charlie Tjungarrayi. The family travelled by camels to and settled at Haasts Bluff in 1956, and later moved to Papunya once it was established. Willie also was involved in the relocation further west to Kintore, where he still lives. His country lies south of  Kintore includes Kulkuta, Tjukula, Warrabri, Malka, Yumari, Tjitikulpa and Patanytja.

Willie began painting at Papunya around 1976, since then his painting has developed to a distinct line-dot style. Tjungarrayi paints Tingari of his ancestral country.

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
Victorian Centre for Performing Arts                                               
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Robert Holmes a’ Court Collection