Sydney’s latest light spectacle is pure Cartier magic
It is thought that ‘art is freedom’, and as such, in the ultimate partnership of cultural legacy, family ties, and the enduring spirit of Indigenous art, Badu Gili: Healing Spirit has become a staple show on the Sydney skyline, and one that must be enjoyed in the evenings ahead.
As part of the iconic Sydney Opera House’s ongoing partnership with the Biennale of Sydney and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, when the sun sets each evening, the Eastern Bennelong sails of the landmark building come alive with a six-minute contemporary work—a digital animation, showcasing the work of late Bidjigal elder Esme Timbery, her children Marilyn Russell and Steven Russell, and Joseca Mokahesi Yanomami, an artist from the Yanomami people of the Amazon.
The immersive experience, designed to bridge continents and generations, weaves together the artistic traditions of two Indigenous cultures that, though geographically distant, share a common thread of ancestral knowledge, ritual, and connection to the land. Ultimately, it is a reflection of the values of its maker, the famed jeweller Cartier, who offers a profound commentary that unites us all.
At the core of Healing Spirit is a tribute to Esme Timbery, one of Australia’s most revered First Nations artists. Known for her intricate shellwork, Esme’s art embodies a deep connection to Country and reflects the resilience and creativity of the Bidjigal people of La Perouse. As a continuation of her legacy, her children Marilyn and Steven Russell have crafted a chapter within the projection that honours their mother’s influence and the enduring cultural practices she passed down.
The Russells’ contribution to the exhibition features delicate shellwork and prints, bringing Esme’s artistic journey into a new light. Marilyn Russell, who learned the form from her mother, says, ‘For us, Badu Gili is a powerful moment in the story of our family and our culture. It’s a reflection of the enduring passage of artistic practice across generations, and a celebration of the strength, creativity, and deep spiritual connection that my mother instilled in us.’
The projection shifts seamlessly into the lush forests and rivers of the Amazon, where the works of Joseca Mokahesi Yanomami transport viewers into the heart of Yanomami cosmology. Yanomami’s vivid illustrations of shamanic rituals, butterflies, jaguars, and other elements of his rainforest homeland immerse audiences in a world where the spiritual and natural realms are deeply intertwined. His work offers a rare glimpse into the culture of the Yanomami people, one of South America’s most isolated Indigenous groups, and illuminates their ongoing fight to protect their ancestral lands and traditions.
Yanomami, who grew up as the son of a shaman, draws on his deep ancestral knowledge to tell stories that reflect the complexity of life within his universe. ‘I am honoured to be part of Badu Gili and to share the stories of my people,’ he tells us. ‘Art is the way we transmit our knowledge, and through this collaboration, we are building bridges with other cultures.’
Crafted to be accessible to the masses, the show itself runs six times each evening, from sundown, until the end of this year. Undoubtedly, it is another success for the Sydney skyline indeed.
Advertisement
