Naarm (Melbourne) is about to be lit up with the Red Centre's most immersive light installations from the visually spectacular Aboriginal light festival, Parrtjima.
Parrtjima is the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world. Pronounced Par-Chee-ma, it conveys two meanings: physically illuminating an object with light and 'lighting up' as in to shed light and understanding on a subject.
The exclusive teaser is in Melbourne for two nights only as the nationally acclaimed festival presents its Grounded installation ahead of the official festival in April.
Grounded takes Indigenous artworks and stories and transforms them into large-scale animated sequence that is projected onto the ground and accompanied by an immersive, atmospheric soundscape which encourages interaction with its viewers.
The one time activation will feature the work of 12 artists hailing from a range of art centres.
Artists include Sharon Alice, Marina Pumani Brown, Anne Dixon, Hannah Nungarrayi, Serena Hayes, Annette Nungala, Roseanna Larry, Mary James, June Smith, Corban Clause Williams, Cassaria Young Hogna and Isacc Girrabul.
The soundscapes were composed by Damian Robinson, Wicked Beat Sound System and Rhyan Clapham a.k.a. DOBBY.
Northern Territory Major Events Company Chief Executive Suzana Bishop said she couldn't be more excited to showcase Grounded in Melbourne, ahead of the festival's opening from 7-16 April 2023 in Alice Springs.
"Parrtjima is a truly moving and magical experience for everyone. Aside from large-scale light installations, like Grounded, we have a great program of music, talks, workshops and film, all heralding Australia's Indigenous artists, leaders and people," she said.
"Everyone in Melbourne can now experience a piece of Parrtjima and see first-hand what the magic is all about."
Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO is delighted Melbournians will be able to enjoy the first-ever experience of Parrtjima outside of the Territory.
"It is wonderful to expand the reach of the Parrtjima Festival and give additional exposure to the amazing Aboriginal artists who contribute every year," she said.
"The festival is a wonderful public event and it is also very significant in helping provide economic pathways for our Indigenous artists.
Grounded is an exciting and contemporary way to enjoy Aboriginal art. It's experiential and engaging and people respond really well to that."
Parrtjima is a free event and will be shown at Melbourne's Federation Square on March 10 and 11.
