Malliera Ceremonies, 2000 by Dr George Tjapaltjarri 152x122cm Cat 4196DG

The colour red is considered a healing and powerful colour. It relates to the land that is the sacred reality and that has the primary place in Aboriginal religion as the vehicle or medium of spiritual power.

Red ochre is smeared on bodies during ceremonies and senior law men wear red ceremonial head bands.

The powerful mark marking by Dr George depicts the site of Pintalpura (Jupiter Well) in the Gibson Desert of Western Australia, the artist's traditional country and where the Tingari men performed highly significant Malliera (young men's initiation) ceremonies.

The photograph is showing the red a little brighter than reality as it is a deeper red.