Moses Obah Japanungka was born in Townsville, Queensland, and is the son of notable Yarliyil Artist, Susan Peters Wangamirr Nampitjin.

When Moses was young he travelled to Kururrungku with his family – brothers, sisters and parents.  His mother and grandparents on his mother’s side of Walmajarri and Ngarti descent.

His father is of Walmajarri, Ngarti and south sea islander descent.

Moses has spent most of his life travelling and living in Kururrungku, Halls Creek, Rockhampton and Townsville. From a young age Moses learnt about traditional lore and culture from his grandparents, father and extended family from Balgo, Mulan, Kururrungku, Woorabinda and Palm Island.

Moses grew up among artists – he learnt to paint from his mother, grandparents and other family members.

As a young indigenous man, Moses is interested in the cultural connections that exist in popular culture and the way that many young aboriginal people are influenced by creative people of colour all around the world. His work often combines traditional aboriginal totems and symbols with elements of contemporary graffiti art.