Held in the same space created for the groundbreaking Wintjiri Wiru drone show, Voyages has added Sunrise Journeys to its dawn experiences offering at Uluṟu.
The two-hour experience is a laser, light and sound show with Uluṟu as the stunning backdrop as the sun comes up.
The experience is based on a painting from three Aṉangu artists — Selina Kulitja, Denise Brady and Valerie Brumby – who created the work especially for the occasion.
The painting depicts the artists’ shared connection to the land. Aṉangu are the traditional owners of the land on which Uluṟu stands. The painting is called Ngura Nganampa Wiru Mulapa, which translates to “our Country is truly beautiful”.
“Our hearts burn with passion to share our Country and knowledge with the world,” said Brady. “We have created Sunrise Journeys to invite people into our culture and share our way of life.”
The Australian company behind the immensely popular Dark Spectrum experience at Vivid Sydney, Mandylights, have created the light and laser elements of the show for Sunrise Journeys, using six lasers, seven projectors and 30 field lights.
To do so, the team hand-traced the painting then divided into more than 170 digital pieces which were subsequently animated.
“When the audience witnesses finches emerge from the bush plants, a flock of cockatoos rise in laser lights and the rippling lines of dry creek beds and sand dunes, they are seeing elements from the original artwork brought to life with the latest animation technology,” said Mandylights CEO Richard Neville.
The show is narrated by the artists themselves, while the music was composed by Aṉangu musician, Jeremy Whiskey.
The Sunrise Journeys experience furthers the community collaboration between Voyages and Aṉangu, which reached a new level with the consultation that created the evening Wintjiri Wiru experience.
“Sunrise Journeys elevates our commitment to authentic, meaningful and responsible cultural tourism,” said Voyages CEO, Matt Cameron-Smith.
“It’s a real honour and privilege to be able to work with leading artists of the region and share their unique connection to the natural environment.
“For thousands of years, art has played such an important part in telling Aṉangu stories and keeping culture strong. Artwork painted in this region now hangs in galleries all over the world, so we’re thrilled to be able to showcase this piece in such a unique way – here, in its desert home. “
“We’re grateful to Denise, Selina, Valerie and Jeremy for sharing their art with the world, and for the opportunity to deepen visitors’ appreciation for Aṉangu culture and the natural beauty of Uluṟu.”
The Sunrise Journeys experience, which includes breakfast, can be booked exclusively for business events groups.
