Raymond Walters Penangke

Raymond Walters Penangke was born in Alice Springs in November 1975.

His grandfather's country is Ngarleyekwerlang of Yuelumu (Mt Allan) and his grandmother's country is Alhalkerre Atnangkerre (a Boundary Bore of Utopia). They are both from the Anmatyerre language group. Amongst his extended family members are speakers of the Arrente, Western Aranda, Alywarre, Warlpiri and Kaytetye language groups. Through art Raymond wants to share Anmatyerre Culture and Customary Law, which has been passed to him by his grandparents and other family members by way of ceremonies and learning on a day to day basis.

Raymond takes pride in his links with some of the most amazing Anmatyerre artists, such as Jack Cook Ngal, Kudditji Kngwarreye, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Minnie Pwerle, Margaret Scobie, Maureen Hudson, Gloria Petyarre, Barbara Weir, Kathleen Petyarre, and Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri. These artists have showcased the Aboriginal culture to the world through exhibitions and featuring in highly sought-after collections, continuing the world's longest art tradition.

Raymond has been living in Victoria with his wife and children for the past few years. He is currently undertaking a Master's Degree in Public Health at Deakin University's Institute of Koori Education. He is passionate about contributing to making strong and sustainable change to the lives of his family and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This opportunity to study has given Raymond a deeper insight and understanding into health on many levels and he aims to inspire other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the way he conducts himself and by sharing and passing on his knowledge.