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

This paintings by Barney Campbell possess a maze of sinuous lines. Such iconography is profoundly reminiscent of ceremonial body designs and traditional ground drawings. The subject depicted is that of the Tingari Cycle.

Barney is a serious painter, who faithfully portrays his ‘ dreamings ’ in a meticulous manner and a ‘ classical ’ Pintupi style of work. This beautiful work of Barney’s is a maze of sinuous lines. Such iconography is profoundly reminiscent of ceremonial body designs and traditional ground drawings.

It is said that the Tingari are a group of men of the Dreaming (creation) era who travelled over vast stretches of the country, performing rituals and creating and shaping particular sites. The Tingari men were accompanied by novices and usually followed by Tingari Women. Their travels and adventures are enshrined in the song cycles. These legends form part of the teachings of the post-initiatory youths today, as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.