Barney Campbell Tjakamarra
c 1928 – 2006
Community: Mt Liebig
Region: Walungurru (Kintore)
Country: Western Desert
Language: Ngaanyatjara
Barney Campbell Tjakamarra, born circa 1928 in Kaylilwarra near south Warburton in the Gibson Desert of Western Australia, is a distinguished member of the Ngaanyatjarra language group and a highly respected Pintupi Law-Man.
PROFILE
Barney Campbell Tjakamarra
c 1928 – 2006
Community: Mt Liebig
Region: Walungurru (Kintore)
Country: Western Desert
Language: Ngaanyatjara
Barney Campbell Tjakamarra, born circa 1928 in Kaylilwarra near south Warburton in the Gibson Desert of Western Australia, is a distinguished member of the Ngaanyatjarra language group and a highly respected Pintupi Law-Man.
After losing his parents at a young age, he was raised by his extended family, who provided him with a nurturing and culturally rich upbringing. His uncle played a pivotal role in his life, taking him to Papunya, where Barney underwent the rites of passage to manhood.
Barney's ancestral country spans approximately 150 km around the Lake MacDonald region, an area punctuated by salt lakes and wells to the east and west of Kintore. This landscape is steeped in cultural significance and is integral to the Tingari Cycle stories that Barney is privileged to paint. These stories are foundational to the song cycles and creation myths that educate the initiated youth and form the bedrock of contemporary Aboriginal customs in his community.
The Tingari Cycle narratives, which Barney Campbell Tjakamarra vividly brings to life in his paintings, chronicle the legendary journeys of the Tingari ancestors — both men and women — as they traversed the land in the Dreamtime (Tjukurrpa). Their travels established sacred sites and imparted Aboriginal law, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural heritage that Barney, as a senior lawman, is responsible for preserving and passing on.
In his artistic practice, Barney often collaborated with Willy Tjungurrayi at Kintore, both esteemed as serious and devoted painters. Barney's works are a testament to his deep connection to his Dreamings, executed in the 'classical' Pintupi style characterized by meticulous detail and profound cultural resonance. His paintings typically feature roundels and sinuous lines, evoking the ceremonial body designs and traditional ground drawings used during sacred rituals.
Barney's personal life is intertwined with the arts as well, married to Maisie Campbell Napaltjarri, also an artist. Together, they have four children, continuing the legacy of cultural and artistic importance in their family.
Barney Campbell Tjakamarra’s artwork not only represents a conduit of cultural transmission but also serves as a bridge connecting the ancient past with the present, ensuring the continuity of Aboriginal traditions through visual expression. His works are celebrated for their subtlety and depth, capturing the essence of the Pintupi people's spiritual and physical landscapes.
ARTIST CV
Barney Campbell Tjakamarra, a distinguished Western Desert artist, has had an impactful career, with his works displayed across numerous prestigious exhibitions and included in several key collections globally. Here's a concise overview of his exhibitions, collections, and bibliographic references which underline his significant contributions to Indigenous Australian art.
Exhibitions
Barney Campbell Tjakamarra's notable exhibitions include:
2000 Papunya Tula: Genesis and Genius – This significant exhibition was held from 18 August to 12 November 2000 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney. It showcased seminal works from the Papunya Tula movement, underscoring the genesis of contemporary Indigenous art from this region.
His works have also been exhibited in other esteemed galleries, including the Japingka Gallery, further establishing his reputation both in Australia and internationally.
Collections
Barney's art is held in several major public and private collections, evidencing the broad recognition and respect for his work:
National and State Galleries such as the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, the Art Gallery of Western Australia in Perth, and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
Regional Collections including the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin and the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane.
Private Collections like the Holmes a' Court Collection in Perth and various corporate and private collections worldwide.
His presence in multiple locations such as the Gallery Gondwana in Alice Springs and Sydney, and the Aboriginal Galleries of Australia in Melbourne, further attests to his significant impact.
Bibliography
Barney Campbell Tjakamarra's life and work are well-documented in a variety of publications that discuss the broader implications and individual achievements of his artistry:
"The Dictionary of Western Desert Artists" by Johnson, V., 1994, provides comprehensive insights into the artists of the Western Desert, including Barney.
"Papunya Tula Art of the Western Desert" by Bardon, G., showcases the foundational elements of the art movement Barney is a part of.
"Aboriginal Art" by Caruana, W., 1993, places his work within the wider context of Aboriginal art across Australia.
"Australian Aboriginal Paintings" by Isaacs, J., 1989, explores the vibrant and diverse expressions of Indigenous painting, highlighting the significant contributions of artists like Barney.
Barney Campbell Tjakamarra's work is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Pintupi people and a crucial component of the narrative of Australian Aboriginal art. His legacy is preserved not only through his dynamic and spiritually resonant artworks but also through scholarly works that continue to study and celebrate his profound contributions to the art world.
MARKET ANALYSIS
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