Warlpiri man Adrian Jangala Robertson named finalist at 2025 Archibalds in Sydney

Growing up during the rise of the Western Desert painting movement that emerged in the early 1970s, Warlpiri man Adrian Jangala Robertson is intimately aware of the importance of creative expression.

Growing up during the rise of the Western Desert painting movement that emerged in the early 1970s in Papunya, Warlpiri man Adrian Jangala Robertson is intimately aware of the importance of creative expression.

Mr Robertson, 63, is non-verbal and requires a motorised wheelchair; he instead uses art and small hand gestures to communicate.

The contents of this story have been cross-checked with staff who work closely with him.

Mr Robertson has drawn inspiration from all branches of his life including his fellow painters, Charles Inkamala and Billy Kenda, and his mentor, Geoff Bardon.

Charles Inkamala (left) and Mr Robertson (right). Picture: Supplied

But it’s his family – his late mother, Eunice Napangard; his late father, Karpa (Jampitjinpa), his sister Julie Nangala Robertson and her daughter; and his own daughter – whom inspire the independent painter most.

When his family comes to visit him, he often smiles and points at his achievements on the wall – a sign, his staff say, of how proud he is.

In his eyes, painting them is a way to stay connected. But even more so, painting is his main form of communication, and it allows him to express his story, culture, and connection to those he loves.

Mr Robertson with Clara Adolphs, who painted the portrait (left) of Mr Robertson. Picture: Supplied

Most recently, the Warlpiri man, who now lives in Alice Springs, was one of only two artists selected across all three major categories – the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes – at the 2025 Archibalds in Sydney, where his art is currently hanging.

He also won the coveted Alice Prize at the Araluen Arts Centre.

Mr Robertson, according to his staff, was extremely proud to be selected for his portrait of Warwick Thornton, a respected Kaytetye filmmaker from Alice Springs, at the Archibalds.

Mr Robertson sat in front of Clara Adolphs portrait of him (right). Picture: Supplied

It marks the second time he has been named an Archibald finalist, with the 2024 Archibald currently on exhibition at Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs.

He was able to visit Sydney for the Artists and Guides lunch on May 8 and Archibald Opening night on May 9, as well as sightseeing and shopping.

Multiple mornings before travel, his staff says, Mr Robertson would excitedly gesture aeroplane movements with his hands to ask about travel.

Looking ahead, Mr Robertson is working towards Bindi Magic – Bindi Artist’s major annual exhibition, held in Alice Springs every September.

Originally published as Warlpiri man Adrian Jangala Robertson named finalist at 2025 Archibalds in Sydney