Tingari Cycle (2001) - Walala Tjapaltjarri, 61x198cm, Cat 6366WT

"Tingari Cycle (2001)" by Walala Tjapaltjarri captures the sacred Tingari Cycle, an epic journey of Ancestral Beings from the Jukurrpa (Creation Era), using a highly personalized and minimal style. The elongated red rectangles represent the sandhills, while the yellow rectangles at the top and bottom symbolize young men's ceremonial body designs.

The painting focuses on Kiwirkurra in the Gibson Desert of Western Australia, where a large group of Tingari ancestors (men and boys) gathered for Malliera (initiation) ceremonies before traveling northward to Lake Mackay. Kiwirkurra is characterized by numerous sandhills and significant water soakages, depicted through the series of irregular rectangles in Walala’s work. The over dotting represents both the abundance of bush food after rain and the crushed daisies applied as body paint to young initiates.

Due to the secret and sacred nature of the Tingari Cycle's events, further details are not disclosed. Generally, the Tingari are mythological beings of the Dreaming who traveled vast distances, performing rituals that created and shaped specific sites. The Tingari men were usually accompanied by novices and followed by Tingari women. Their travels and adventures are enshrined in song cycles, which are essential for post-initiatory teachings and explaining contemporary customs.

Walala’s painting intricately blends traditional cultural narratives with his innovative artistic vision, offering a glimpse into the profound spiritual heritage of the Pintupi people.