A vibrant projection featuring the works of two renowned First Nations artists, Gail Mabo and Nikau Hindin, Badu Gili: Celestial is projected onto the Eastern Bennelong sails of the Sydney Opera House every night, with screenings occurring every 30 minutes from sunset.

This installation of powerful First Nations storytelling has been created by the Biennale of Sydney, in partnership with the Sydney Opera House, and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, with animation by Yarnology and soundscape by Nigel Westlake, Te Kahureremoa Taumata and Te Kuru o te Marama Dewes. The six-minute projection featured the work of Meriam artist, Gail Mabo from Mer Island in the Torres Strait, and international First Nations artist, Nikau Hindin, a Te Rarawa and Ngāpuhi woman from Aotearoa / New Zealand.

Using Mabo’s star maps constructed out of bamboo and cotton, and Hindin’s Māori aute (bark cloth), the digital animation explored the ancient practices of celestial navigation across two cultures, with vibrant symbols and sounds bringing to life the stories of our skies and waterways. As a celebration of the rich history and contemporary vibrancy of Australia’s First Nations culture, Badu Gili continues the traditions of Bennelong Point, formerly known as Tubowgule (‘where the knowledge waters meet’), a gathering place for community, ceremony and storytelling for thousands of years.