Parajulkuti by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra 122x61cm

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra's Parajulkuti (2006) portrays a significant sacred site linked to the Tjakamarra/Tjupurrurla skin groups near the Western Australian border in the Northern Territory. A senior lawman and esteemed elder of the Ngaanyatjarra language group, Tjakamarra is internationally acclaimed for his contributions to Indigenous art. His works predominantly explore the Tingari Cycle, with a particular emphasis on the Malliera (Initiation) Ceremonies.

In Parajulkuti , Tjakamarra illustrates the sites where young boys underwent these initiation ceremonies. The Tingari Cycle narrates the journeys of ancestral beings from the Dreaming creation era who traversed vast distances, performing rituals and shaping significant sites. Accompanied by novices and often followed by Tingari women, their adventures are preserved in song cycles that remain integral to post-initiatory teachings and provide insights into contemporary customs.

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