Tingari Cycle (2006) by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra 76x122cm Cat 9553BC

The paintings by Barney Campbell possess a wonderful subtlety and are characterised by a series of roundels that seem to float in a maze of sinuous lines. Such iconography is profoundly reminiscent of ceremonial body designs and traditional ground drawings.

Barney often worked side by side with Willy Tjungurrayi at Kintore. Like Willy Tjungurrayi, this artist is a serious painter, who faithfully portrays his dreamings in a meticulous manner and a classical Pintupi style of work.

The most common subject depicted in Barney’s paintings is that of the Tingari Cycle. Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret and sacred nature few details are given. Generally, 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.