Kanya Tjapangati was born at the site of Pamatjatunya, which is west of the Jupiter Well area in Western Australia, circa 1951. Kanya commenced painting for Papunya Tula Artists in 1981 and in 1999 contributed to the Kiwirrkura mens’ painting as part of the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal. His works are represented in many prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Australia.