Tingari Cycle 2005 by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra 122x61cm

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra's paintings are characterised by a maze of sinuous lines, evocative of ceremonial body designs and traditional ground drawings. The Tingari Cycle is the most common subject in his artwork.

Born circa 1928 at Kaylilwarra near Warburton in Western Australia's Gibson Desert, Tjakamarra belonged to the Ngaanyatjarra language group. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his relatives, his second mother and father. His uncle later took him to Papunya, where he underwent his initiation into manhood.

Due to the sacred and secret nature of the Tingari Cycle, few details are publicly disclosed. The Tingari were men from the Dreaming (creation) era who traveled across vast stretches of land, performing rituals and shaping significant sites. They were accompanied by novices and usually followed by Tingari women. Their travels and adventures are preserved in song cycles, which form part of the teachings for post-initiatory youths and provide explanations for contemporary customs.