Malliera Ceremony by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra 91x76cm

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra's Malliera Ceremony (2006) is a profound representation of the sacred initiation sites integral to the Tingari Cycle. Born circa 1928 in Western Australia's Gibson Desert, Tjakamarra was a senior lawman and esteemed elder of the Ngaanyatjarra language group. His artworks predominantly depict the Tingari Cycle, focusing on the Malliera (Initiation) Ceremonies.

The Tingari Cycle narrates the journeys of ancestral beings from the Dreaming creation era, who traversed vast landscapes, performing rituals and establishing significant sites. Accompanied by novices and often followed by Tingari women, their adventures are preserved in song cycles that remain vital to post-initiatory teachings and provide insights into contemporary customs.

Tjakamarra's art captures the essence of these profound stories and rituals. His paintings are held in prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Art Gallery of South Australia. Through his work, Tjakamarra has cemented his legacy in Indigenous art and cultural preservation, ensuring the enduring honour and understanding of the Tingari Cycle.