He was born near Tjungimanta to the north-east of Kiwirrkura. In his youth, he lived a traditional lifestyle with his family

in the region between Wilkinkarra, Kiwirrkura and Lack Mackay. 

Johnny visited Balgo in the 1950’s, he spent some time in Mount Doreen and Yuendumu area before Johnny and his family relocated to Haasts Bluff.

Johnny moved to the Papunya settlement on its establishment in 1959. Johnny is the brother of Donkeyman Lee Tjupurrula.

He began painting for Papunya Tula Artists in the late 1990’s, and now lives at Kiwirrkura.