- Uluṟu's desert landscape brings an Indigenous artwork
interpretation to life
- Immersive Indigenous laser, light and sound story-telling
experience uses latest animation technology
- Collaboration between renowned leading Aṉangu artists
and leading visual experience creator, Mandylights
High res. images and video available for
download here
ULURU, Australia, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunrise
Journeys, the all-new immersive Indigenous laser, light
and sound show that celebrates connection to Country has premiered
in the spiritual heart of Australia — Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu.
The early morning sensory experience transforms the desert
landscape into a giant canvas the size of three football fields
(200m by 300m), as a modern Indigenous artwork is
interpreted into a kaleidoscope of colour and sound using
state-of-the-art animation technology that showcases the artistic
expertise of Aṉangu — the Traditional Owners of Uluṟu.
The two-hour story-telling experience sets the scene for
nature's most spectacular show — the dawn of a new day as Uluṟu
glows fire-ember red.
Art, Nature and Culture – A Modern Homage:
A deep understanding and appreciation of the natural environment
is intrinsic to Aṉangu culture.
Central to Sunrise Journeys is a bespoke painting created
by three renowned female Aṉangu artists — Selina Kulitja
(Maruku Arts), Denise Brady
(Kaltukatjara Art), and Valerie
Brumby (Walkatjara Art).
Titled Ngura Nganampa Wiru Mulapa, which translates from
Pitjantjatjara to English as "our Country is truly beautiful", the
painting depicts a modern telling of the artists' shared connection
to these lands. During Sunrise Journeys, this painting is
interpreted on the desert landscape using laser, light and video
projections, while narration from the artists themselves enhances
guests' understanding of the rhythms of the natural world.
Denise Brady, Kaltukatjara Art,
says of the Sunrise Journeys collaboration: "Our hearts burn with
passion to share our Country and knowledge with the world. We have
created Sunrise Journeys to invite people into our culture and
share our way of life."
The accompanying musical score is composed by local Aṉangu
musician, Jeremy Whiskey, from Indulkana community in the Aṉangu
Pitjantjatjara-Yankunytjatjara Lands.
Cutting-Edge Tech in the Outback
The group's creative efforts have been brought to life by
renowned Australian visual experience team Mandylights.
World-leaders in light artistry, the organisation has illuminated
iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as
creating the large-scale "Dark Spectrum" installation for
Sydney's Vivid 2024. Other famous
projects include the Backstreet Boys' Las
Vegas residency, Dubai New Year's Eve, and the Chayong
International Light Festival in Beijing.
As one of the world's most remote locations, the landscape of
Uluṟu brings both unique challenges and opportunities for
technological artistry. At a sustainably constructed open-air
amphitheatre, six 30w lasers, seven 12kw projectors and 30 bright
field lights work in tandem to tell a spectacular visual story.
Meanwhile a state-of-the-art audio-surround system with spatialised
audio tracks gives audiences the sensation of being completely
immersed or surrounded, as they would in a movie
theatre.
To create the stunning visuals, Mandylights designers traced a
high-resolution photograph of the painting by hand and divided it
into over 170 digital "pieces". These were animated with video and
laser software to match the music's pace and artists'
narration.
"When the audience witnesses finches emerge from the bush
plants, a flock of cockatoos rise in laser lights, and the rippling
lines of dry creek beds and sand dunes, they are seeing elements
from the original artwork brought to life with the latest animation
technology," says Richard Neville,
CEO, Mandylights.
Respecting Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property
The modern yet culturally rich encounter expands on Ayers Rock
Resort's commitment to community engagement, leadership and
respectful tourism. The company set an industry benchmark for
Indigenous collaboration and respecting Indigenous Cultural
Intellectual Property (ICIP) with the launch of Wintjiri Wiru in
May 2023, and Sunrise Journeys
continues this commitment.
Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia (operators of Ayers Rock
Resort, Uluṟu): "Sunrise Journeys elevates our commitment to
authentic, meaningful and responsible cultural tourism. It's a real
honour and privilege to be able to work with leading artists of the
region and share their unique connection to the natural
environment."
"For thousands of years, art has played such an important part
in telling Aṉangu stories and keeping culture strong. Artwork
painted in this region now hangs in galleries all over the world,
so we're thrilled to be able to showcase this piece in such a
unique way – here, in its desert home. "
"We're grateful to Denise, Selina, Valerie and Jeremy for
sharing their art with the world, and for the opportunity to deepen
visitors' appreciation for Aṉangu culture and the natural beauty of
Uluṟu."
Commencing 1 August 2024, the
daily, two-hour Sunrise Journeys experience is priced at
AUD$125 per adult and AUD$75 per child. It includes return coach
transfers and a seasonal breakfast, with the 2024 menu featuring
delights like Quandong Chia and Coconut Pudding; Smoked Kangaroo,
Vintage Cheddar and Bush Tomato Croissant; and Australian Chai
tea. Sunrise Journeys is timed conveniently before flight
schedules to allow guests to fit in a morning tour even on
departure day.
The new experience delivers even more options for a visit to
Uluṟu, with over 100 tours and experiences now on offer — including
Wintjiri Wiru, the award-winning nightly show that sees 1000 drones
to tell an ancestral chapter of the Mala story; Field of Light by
world renowned artist Bruce Munroe;
and the recently hatted dune-top fine-dining experience, Tali
Wiru.
For more information, visit your local travel agent,
www.ayersrockresort.com.au or phone 1300 134 044.
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