SHARD

Language connects us. This vital form of communication allows us to share our ideas, thoughts, and feelings with others. It has the power to inspire, to enlighten, to build societies, and forge communities. But what happens if we don’t speak in the same tongue? Do we remain disconnected? 

Having worked closely with the performers of Djuki Mala, artist and lighting designer Christian Lovelady gained an understanding of Yolngu culture. He recognised ‘their use of English is not a formulaic language with one path per phrase but more as a tree of infinite possibilities for more effective articulation’.

This trio of light sculptures acts as a platform for the stories of dancers Baykali Ganambarr, Wakara Gondarra and Watjarr (Marko) Garmu. LED screen technology gives the trio a new way to express themselves that truly brings their language to fresh eyes and ears. Viewable from all sides, the giant shards act as mirrors by day then illuminate by night to display animations inside each mirrored form. As you move around the objects, you’ll experience infinite reflections and intricate animated performance sequences that reveal stories and songs from Arnhem Land.

Watch as the fire dances, the yidaki (traditional didgeridoo) sings and poetry is spoken. Older than all religions of the world, the lessons we can now glimpse are only a shard of the broken window of the culture of this country. Shard invites you to hear the truth of this land’s past and learn for our shared future.