Tingari Cycle (2005) by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra 122x91cm Cat 9360BC

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra, a senior law man and revered elder, is an internationally renowned artist celebrated for his profound depictions of the Tingari Cycle. One of the main subjects in Tjakamarra’s paintings is the sacred and secret Tingari Cycle, particularly the sites where young boys underwent initiation ceremonies.

In "Tingari Cycle (2005)," Tjakamarra masterfully depicts these sacred sites. 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 paintings are characterized by a wonderful subtlety, featuring roundels that appear to float within a maze of sinuous lines. This iconography is reminiscent of ceremonial body designs and traditional ground drawings. A serious painter, Tjakamarra faithfully portrays his ‘dreamings’ in a meticulous and classical Pintupi style.

Tjakamarra's art is held in prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. His legacy in Indigenous art and cultural preservation remains influential, ensuring the continued celebration and understanding of the Tingari Cycle.