It’s the final few days of Vivid Sydney 2024, so make sure you catch the 8 best light installations around the city.
Taking place between 24 May- 15 June, Vivid Sydney 2024 is now in its fourteenth year. This year’s incredible program features more than 40 light installations around the city to marvel at and enjoy.
Discover our top picks of these light events before it’s too late!
Opening image: Destination NSW.
Sea, Sand, and Stars
Enchanting. Whimsical. Deeply moving. This piece at the MCA in Circular Quay encapsulates the visionary world of Guan Wei, where his distinctive iconography lights up the night in a stunning light projection. This piece marks the first occasion that the celebrated Chinese Australian artist’s work has been showcased. Viewers take a journey from the boundless expanse of space to the depths of the ocean, and the bustling activity of Bondi Beach. “Sea, Sand and Stars” uniquely blends the ordinary with the extraordinary, offering a profound exploration of the human experience.
Nest
Located at Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo, a vast circular structure invites viewers to witness the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two crane species native to Australia. The enormous bird apparitions seem to float in mid-air, visible from both outside and inside the Nest. Viewers enjoy the mesmerising movements of these life-sized cranes, reflecting on our profound connection to nature and its creatures.
Our Connected City
“Our City Connected” unites the city of Sydney through the power of light. On any normal day, Sydney’s buildings sparkles and glitter at night – however, Vivid Sydney has taken it up a level, with the city acting as a canvas for colourful lasers and searchlights. The Harbour Bridge becomes aglow with vibrant colours, originating from the northern end and traversing across this renowned structure, weaving through The Rocks and encircling Circular Quay. One hundred and fifty searchlights pierce through the night sky. Below, on the tranquil surface of Sydney Harbour, individual light sources cast shimmering reflections in the water of Circular Quay. Catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Milson’s Point to take it all in from the water.
Gumscape with Road and Creatures
At Customs House, viewers can head off on a whimsical adventure that flips the script on the classic Aussie road trip. This piece transports viewers from the ordinary to the extraordinary, delving deep where bacterial monsters reign supreme. Created by the renowned national artist, Reg Mombassa, he leads the way through this fantastical journey. Retro-futuristic robots, one-eyed koalas, and a host of other distinctive creatures dominate the landscape. With his trademark blend of playfulness and incisive wit, Reg reimagines our Australian icons.
Fireplaces
Enchanting and captivating, fire embodies both illumination and comfort. In 2024, Vivid Sydney embarks on an exploration of fire as one of humanity’s primal sources of light and communion. Viewers discover Fireplaces nestled in Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, and the Vivid Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line, where an array of fiery delights await them. From towering fire pits and mesmerising sculptures to flamethrower displays and sizzling BBQs, each night of the festival promises a fiery spectacle.
Humanity/Humility
A striking sight breaks through the darkness of night at The Goods Line: a large, red neon sign boldly spells out the word “Humanity.” The sign’s flickering suggests more than what meets the eye, as it subtly alternates between the words “Humanity” and “Humility.” This piece serves as a constant backdrop to the Vivid Sydney Fire Kitchen, which shares a profound message and serves as an important reminder of our collective humanity in an increasingly tech-centric world.
Kia Kinetic
Viewers are able to see a magnificent LED presentation that embodies Kia’s design philosophy of “Opposite United,” showcasing the Kia Kinetic as an optical marvel. Within this enchanting display, the Kia EV9 appears to float within a realm of vibrant hues and light. This piece is inspired by natural phenomenon and landscapes, with the fluid animation constantly evolving in its kinetic form. As the focal point, the Kia EV9’s silhouette becomes a captivating centerpiece, as light and pattern bounce off its lines and sleek design, a halo of Kia’s design theory appears.
Neuron
Neuron, a motion-activated light installation located at the Chinese Garden of Friendship, magnificently portrays the network of our brain’s neurons and branches. Crafted from translucent materials and LED filaments, these captivating sculptures respond to movement. As viewers approach this colossal cluster, the branches and neurons come alive, simulating the exchange of information—a reflection of the electrical and chemical signals in our own brains.
If you enjoyed this article about the 8 best light events at Vivid Sydney 2024, check out this article about the 2024 Sydney Film Festival.
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