Dr George Tjapaltjarri and Barney Campbell Tjakamarra

Dr George and Barney Campbell had many similarities
including singing or laughing whilst painting.

They were both born around 1930 and lived a nomadic life before contact with white people and were respected senior Pintupi law men. 

George Tjapaltjarri (Dr George) was widely respected traditional healer, spiritual leader and one of the most powerful western desert men.

The white doctors he worked with in Kintore gave him the name ‘Dr George’ for his work in helping Aboriginal people feel comfortable when seeing a white doctor.

Pintupi people continued to revere Dr George his entire life for his leadership and healing abilities. 

Dr George Tjapaltjarri with his paintings

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra  was also respected as a senior law man who had the authority to paint the Tingari Cycle stories which form part of the teachings for the initiated youth.

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra working on artwork TBCT 401

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra with completed artwork TBCT 401

Both Dr George and Barney, as important Pintupi elders, were responsible for initiating young men into law. During these important sacred and secret traditional men’s initiation ceremonies they revealed to initiates not only the knowledge connected to the Tingari cycle but also the related sacred sites located in their own traditional country.

Whilst painting they would both often sing, immersed in the ritual of painting the Tingari Cycles which included Men’s Business. 

The real stories sung into their important paintings are not seen by the uninitiated, but they can be sensed.

Whilst painting Dr George and Barney could brighten every day with their humour, laughter and art filled with so much ‘story’.

Barney Campbell Tjakamarra working on artwork