Tingari Cycle (Malliera Ceremonies), 2005 by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra 61x91cm Cat 9367BC

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra, a senior law man and revered elder, is an internationally renowned artist known for his profound contributions to Indigenous Australian art. Born circa 1928, Tjakamarra's work prominently features the Tingari Cycle, a subject central to his artistic expression.

In "Tingari Cycle (2005)," Tjakamarra depicts the sacred sites where young boys participated in initiation ceremonies, known as Malliera Ceremonies. The Tingari Cycle involves secretive and sacred rituals from the Dreaming creation era, performed by Tingari men who traveled extensively, shaping and creating significant sites. Accompanied by novices and followed by Tingari women, their journeys and adventures are immortalized in song cycles. These narratives are crucial for teaching post-initiatory youths and understanding contemporary customs.

Tjakamarra's art, rich with cultural law and creation stories, was created while he sang to the Ancestors in his native language. His paintings are featured in prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. As a founding member of Papunya Tula Artists, Tjakamarra's legacy in Indigenous art and cultural preservation remains influential, reflecting his deep connection to his heritage and his role in maintaining cultural traditions.