Tingari Cycle 2005 by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra 122x152cm Cat 9372BC

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra, a senior law man and revered elder, is an internationally renowned artist celebrated for his profound depictions of the Tingari Cycle. His paintings, characterized by a maze of sinuous lines, are profoundly reminiscent of ceremonial body designs and traditional ground drawings.

In "Tingari Cycle (2005)," Tjakamarra masterfully portrays the sacred sites associated with the Tingari Cycle. These sites are where young boys underwent initiation ceremonies. Due to the secretive nature of the Tingari Cycle, few details are disclosed. The Tingari were men from the Dreaming creation era who traveled vast distances, performing rituals, and shaping significant sites. Accompanied by novices and usually followed by Tingari women, their journeys are immortalized in song cycles. These narratives are essential for the teachings of post-initiatory youths and provide explanations for contemporary customs.

Tjakamarra's artwork is a beautiful example of his meticulous and classical Pintupi style. He faithfully portrays his ‘dreamings’ with a wonderful subtlety, featuring roundels that appear to float within a complex web of sinuous lines. This exceptional iconography captures the essence of cultural stories and rituals.