Malliera Ceremonies by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra 91x122cm

Malliera Ceremonies by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra, a senior law man and revered elder, is an internationally renowned artist known for his profound contributions to Indigenous Australian art. Born circa 1928, Tjakamarra's work prominently features the Tingari Cycle, a subject central to his artistic expression.

In "Malliera Ceremonies," Tjakamarra depicts the sacred sites where young boys participated in initiation ceremonies. The Tingari Cycle involves secretive and sacred rituals from the Dreaming creation era, performed by Tingari men who traveled extensively, shaping and creating significant sites. Accompanied by novices and followed by Tingari women, their journeys and adventures are immortalized in song cycles. These narratives are crucial for teaching post-initiatory youths and understanding contemporary customs.

Tjakamarra's art, rich with cultural law and creation stories, was created while he sang to the Ancestors in his native language. His paintings are featured in prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. As a founding member of Papunya Tula Artists, Tjakamarra's legacy in Indigenous art and cultural preservation remains influential, reflecting his deep connection to his heritage and his role in maintaining cultural traditions.

Barney's paintings possess a wonderful subtlety, characterized by roundels floating in a maze of sinuous lines, reminiscent of ceremonial body designs and traditional ground drawings. He often worked alongside Willy Tjungurrayi at Kintore, both faithfully portraying their ‘dreamings’ in a meticulous and classical Pintupi style. The Tingari Cycle, with its sacred and secret events, remains the most common subject in Barney’s work, capturing the essence of these legends and ensuring their continued appreciation and understanding.