Rene grew up in the north of South Australia attending school at Amata before marrying and moving to her husband’s country of Kaltukatjara (Docker River). Later in Mutitjulu, she became committed to art, inspired by her parents Walter Pukutiwara, and Topsy Tjulyata, acclaimed wood carvers and founders of Maruku Arts. Rene was a founding director of Walkatjara Art in its early year and is a current Director and previous chair of Maruku Art. She has worked in fabric, glass, ceramics and grass weaving, and has become well known for the bright colours and bold shapes she uses to share her stories of the Tjukurpa – Anangu law. Today, Rene is a prominent artist, well known for her sculptural woven work as well as her paintings; her painting of Uluru proudly adorned a Qantas jet and as a Tjanpi Desert Weaver, she represented Australia in the 2015 Venice Biennale. She has had her work exhibited widely, nationally and internationally, and several of her works are in the National Gallery of Australia.

When not creating art, Rene now spends much of her time travelling far and wide as both artist and advocate for her people. She is a member of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Board of Joint Management, director of the NPY Women’s Council, and part of the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir.