Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, has announced an exciting addition to this year’s lineup: “Barani,” an immersive First Nations animation. This unique digital illustration will be projected onto the rooftop of the Australian National Maritime Museum daily from May 24 to June 15, from 6 PM to 11 PM, offering audiences an engaging form of cultural storytelling. Vivid Sydney 2024: Celebrating Indigenous Culture with “Barani” Immersive Animation
“Barani,” a Gadigal word meaning “yesterday,” is created by Studio Gilay. This moving narrative, set in Warrane (Sydney Cove) 500 years ago, explores themes of humanity, compassion, and connection. It juxtaposes humanity’s current existence with a time of harmony between humans and nature, encouraging audiences to reconsider the history of the land beneath their feet.
The story, rich in historical and cultural value, is a bittersweet coming-of-age and mother-and-son tale. Through their relationship, themes of love, connection, independence, and the inextricable link between humanity and nature are vividly explored. Unlike most artistic attractions at Vivid Sydney, “Barani” utilizes a unique blend of modern digital illustrations and First Nations iconography.
Museum director and CEO, Ms. Daryl Karp AM, highlighted how “Barani” aligns with Vivid Sydney’s 2024 theme of Humanity. “Based on the Vivid Sydney 2024 theme – Humanity, we have developed this story with the talents of Studio Gilay. We wanted to tell a story of the harbour that surrounds us and the people who protected it for generations,” Ms. Karp said. “It teaches us to stop and listen, to look and to learn, to connect and protect what surrounds us.”
Studio Gilay, founded in 2021 by Jake Duczynski and James Hackett, is known for its unique design, close collaboration, and honest approach to storytelling. The production company is committed to originality, diversity, and authentic representation, with more than a third of their team being of First Nations heritage. Their dedication ensures that “Barani” is both engaging and educational.
Set to transform Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation, and community connection, “Barani” is just one of the many ways Vivid Sydney 2024 is celebrating Indigenous community and craft. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas, and food will inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange.
With the theme of ‘Humanity,’ this year’s event aims to spark reflection and engagement. Vivid Sydney will not only showcase NSW’s cultural vibrancy but also position the state as a global leader in artistic innovation.
“It’s an important event every year that Sydneysiders and visitors alike have come to love. It’s not just a light show, it’s a celebration of light, music, ideas and food – a program full of rich cultural experiences that resonate with locals and visitors alike,” said New South Wales Minister for the Arts, John Graham. “Vivid Sydney brings together important parts of Sydney’s culture – light, music, ideas, and food. It celebrates what’s great and unique about our city, and our state and creates a uniquely Sydney experience.”
“Barani” will be projected onto the Australian National Maritime Museum rooftop daily from May 24 to June 15, from 6 PM to 11 PM. It will also be playing daily in the museum’s Bamal Gallery.
Vivid Sydney will run from May 24 to June 15, 2024. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of light, music, ideas, and food, which promises to be a highlight of Sydney’s cultural calendar.
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