Destination NSW

Boomalli and Artist James P. Simon were approached by Destination NSW to develop an artwork design for their Dawn Reflection Artwork which was projected onto the Sydney Opera House sails on the 26th January 2025.

This project was developed in consultation with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.

James worked with Destination NSW and the team from TDC (Technical Direction Company) to transform his artwork “River Life”  for a stunning projection onto the Opera House sails, complimenting the natural harbour environment and the colours of the dawn sky.

Read more about James’ artwork below:

For Aboriginal people, fishing anywhere on Country, whether it is on the ocean beaches or coastal estuaries or inland rivers and lakes it has always been about more than simply collecting food. We have this connection to water, with spirit, culture, songlines, our dreaming.

Waterways also form tribal boundaries. Waterways are critical to the culture and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities. Water provides food, medicine, tools, kinship, connection, recreation, stories, songlines and healing. It can be deeply spiritual, a chance for people to connect with their ancestors.

Water is seen as a living entity with its own spirit, and it is believed that we have a responsibility to protect and care for it.For our peoples, water is not just a commodity, but a language, a community, and a source of knowledge and law.

Our country encompasses land, water, sea and sky and the connections between them. Cultural flows are essential for Our People to continue their spiritual relationship with Country.

Images courtesy of Destination NSW.