Leroy Jupurrurla Gibson was born in Alice Springs, the closest hospital to Nyirripi, a remote Aboriginal community, 450 km north west from Alice Springs. He grew up in Nyirripi with his father, Teddy Jackamarra Gibson and his mother Gayle Napangardi Gibson. Gregory began his schooling at the local school before furthering his education studies at Yirara College, Alice Springs, a boarding school for indigenous students. After completing school, he returned to Nyirripi where he has worked for a number of aboriginal owned and governed organisations such as the community store and Community Development Projects.
Leroy began painting with Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal owned and governed art centre located in Yuendumu and Nyirripi, in 2021. He is not new to painting, having watched his parents and grandparents paint and sing their Jukurrpa, songs and stories, passed down through many millennial cycles. Leroy paints his Father’s Grandfather’s Wimpa Jukurrpa -Lightning Dreaming and his Father’s Yankirri Jukurrpa - Emu Dreaming, stories relating directly to country, its features and the plants and animals that inhabit it. Leroy uses traditional iconology and an unrestricted palette to depict his traditional culture.
Leroy is married to Natasha Nungarrayi Spencer, and they have one son. When they are not painting, Leroy likes to play or watch football and enjoys hunting with his mates and family.
