A breathtaking installation, described as an art phenomenon, is set to light a remote desert area within sight of majestic Uluru.
The announcement made by Ayers Rock Resort of the solar-powered ‘Field of Light’, the work of British artist Bruce Munro, will open on April 1, 2016 and remain there throughout the Red Centre’s distinct seasons until March 31, 2017.
Known for his immersive large-scale light-based works, Munro first conceived of the idea when he visited Uluru in 1992, but it wasn’t until 2004 that the installation first materialised at both London’s Victoria & Albert Museum and in Munro’s own backyard in south-west-England.
This ambitious exhibition (which will be shrouded in secrecy until it is unveiled) forms part of Ayers Rock Resort’s commitment to arts and culture, which includes staging once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
“There is no doubt that this presents an absolutely unique opportunity for guests to enjoy not only the spiritual nature of the destination, but experience it in a unique and mesmerising way,” said
Voyages executive general manager sales, marketing and distribution Ray Stone at the announcement.
In keeping with the desert’s vast scale, Munro and his team will install more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres that connect via illuminated optical fibre and bloom as darkness falls over this spiritual heartland.
It will be his largest and most ambitious work to date.
Pathways will draw viewers into the ‘Field’ which will also be available to enjoy in various ways, from an entry-level Field of Light Pass ($35) through to a 4.5-hour, A Night at Field of Light ($235), with an introduction to the artwork by a host, sparkling wine and canapés at sunset from an elevated viewing area and a three-course buffet dinner. There’s also an option to arrive by camel or helicopter!
Currently there are Munro installations in Scottsdale, Bath Spa University Media Wall and Salisbury Cathedral and as Ray Stone revealed, “Logistics for a project such as this are immense, and we are fortunate to have the expertise of Qantas, the official airline partner of the Field of Light, who are transporting the 50,000 unique stems of light all the way from the Bruce Munro workshop in the UK.”
Tourism Australia managing director, John O’Sullivan, said hosting an exhibition of this type would reinforce the accessibility of Australia’s Indigenous offering and highlight the breadth of uniquely Australian events available to visitors.
Lost for words the Huffington Post said, “It can be hard to describe in words the gifts that Munro bestows on the landscape as his work escapes description in either written or photographic form, it is something to be experienced.”