Overview
The famed Sydney Opera House sails are set for a refresh, as Badu Gili's nightly sound and light show introduces its next series of artworks.
Badu Gili, which translates to 'water light' in the language of the site's traditional owners, the Gadigal people, is a celebration of Indigenous Australian and Torres Strait Islander artists. It was first launched last June, projecting a vibrant seven-minute animation onto the iconic sails each night when the sun goes down and again at 7pm. Basically, it's like what the Opera House does for Vivid, but very single night.
It has been experienced in real life by more than 160,000 people, and online by a further 620,000. Now, the Sydney Opera House has announced the six new artists whose work will grace the sails for the next edition of Badu Gili.
From July 24, the installation will light up with large-scale designs from acclaimed artist and community leader Djambawa Marawili AM, ceramicist Penny Evans, watercolour painter Mervyn Rubuntja, Telstra NATSIAA awards finalist Mabel Juli, painter and traditional healer Patricia Ansell Dodds, and up-and-coming printmaker Aiona Tala Gaidan. The visual story is backed by an original soundscape by Wicked Beat Sound System's Damian Robinson.
You can catch Badu Gili's striking display every night at sunset, and again at 7pm (9pm during daylight saving time). It's best enjoyed from the top of the Opera House's Monumental Steps.