Kunmanara (Mumu Mike) Williams was born in 1952 in Inturtjanu on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. He attended Ernabella Mission School, before commencing work as a stockman and carpenter. As a young man, he was active in the APY Land Rights movement that led to the signing of the Pitjantjatjara Land Rights Act in 1981 and the return of land to Anangu. Ever since, he remained politically active, advocating for his country and people through his art and stories, becoming one of the most significant political artists in Australia throughout his lifetime.

Williams travelled the world for work, but always returned to his obligations as a senior man and traditional custodian. As a renowned ngangkari (traditional healer), pastor of Mimili Community church and political activist, he proudly shared and protected the duties passed on to him through his culture. In his art practice, he addressed issues including governance, sustainable land management, protection of sacred sites, and the rights of traditional owners. Mr Williams exhibited widely nationally and internationally, always remaining true to his vision as a cultural leader. He finished writing his monograph and autobiography “Kulinmaya! Keep listening, everybody!” shortly before his passing. The book embodies some of the core ideas within Mr Williams' practice: the passing on of knowledge to the next generation, the importance of language for a resilient culture, as well as the urgent reminder to keep listening to traditional owners. “Kulinmaya!” has been distributed in schools and libraries across the country and is due to keep his voice alive for generations to come. Mr Williams was invited to exhibit as part of the 22nd Biennale of Sydney and conceived a last ambitious project before his passing, which was executed by Mimili Maku Arts, guided by his widow Tuppy Ngintja Goodwin and long-term collaborator Sammy Dodd in 2020.