ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Aboriginal Art Takes Center Stage at Sydney Opera House and Perth Institute

exhibition · 2026-05-05

This summer, for seven minutes post-sunset, the Sydney Opera House will showcase the works of five Aboriginal artists in a display called Badu Gili ("water light"), aimed at familiarizing its 8.2 million yearly visitors with local culture. Curator Rhoda Roberts has selected artists Jenuarrie, Frances Belle Parker, Alick Tipoti, Lin Onus, and Minnie Pwerle. Concurrently, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art is hosting the exhibition When the Sky Fell until August 20, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 constitutional amendments that acknowledged Aboriginal people as full citizens. Curated by Clothilde Bullen, this exhibition features a variety of Indigenous artists. In contrast, Native Americans have endured a century of confinement to reservations, highlighted by artist Jimmie Durham, a Cherokee, who protests by living abroad and renouncing US citizenship.

Key facts

  • Sydney Opera House facade will project works by five Aboriginal artists for seven minutes after sunset throughout summer.
  • The projection is titled Badu Gili, meaning 'water light' in Aboriginal language.
  • Curator Rhoda Roberts explains the show aims to introduce local culture to 8.2 million annual visitors.
  • Artists involved: Jenuarrie (Judith Warrie), Frances Belle Parker, Alick Tipoti, Lin Onus, Minnie Pwerle.
  • Perth Institute of Contemporary Art exhibition 'When the Sky Fell' runs until August 20, curated by Clothilde Bullen.
  • Exhibition marks 50 years since the 1967 referendum that recognized Aboriginal people as full citizens.
  • Jimmie Durham, Cherokee artist and activist, lives abroad in protest against US treatment of Native Americans.
  • Hammer Museum retrospective 'At the Center of the World' closed May 7, did not change Durham's stance.

Entities

Artists

  • Jenuarrie
  • Judith Warrie
  • Frances Belle Parker
  • Alick Tipoti
  • Lin Onus
  • Minnie Pwerle
  • Jimmie Durham

Institutions

  • Sydney Opera House
  • Perth Institute of Contemporary Art
  • Hammer Museum
  • American Indian Movement

Locations

  • Sydney
  • Australia
  • Perth
  • Los Angeles
  • United States
  • Washington
  • Alaska

Sources