Ngabu is set to be one of many highlights at this year's Sydney Festival.
Taking place at scenic Walsh Bay, Aunty Lola Ryan designed the installation Ngabu (Dharawal language for Nan / Grandmother) in homage to the series of shell harbour bridges created by her mother Lola Delia Ryan - which are now found in the collections of our prominent cultural institutions (such as AGNSW, MCA).
With Ngabu, Aunty Lola takes shell art to a new dimension in a giant interactive installation mounted on top of the overhead bridge on Hickson Rd. The public will be able to marvel at the giant colourful shell patterns while also taking in the view of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Hailing from a lineage of esteemed Dharawal shell artists from La Perouse, Aunty Lola brings a unique artistic practice to the festival's Blak Out program.
With Walsh Bay being home to some formative stories of Country and First Nations cultural history, the area for the installation was carefully selected.
From the Dreamtime story of Buri-buri the whale; to the many artefacts found in vast middens nearby; through to the first contact story of Patyegerang and William Dawes. Prominent among these stories is the emergence of shell art practices in the nineteenth century.
Aside from the beautiful shell installation, the Ngabu journey continues via an augmented reality treasure hunt around Walsh Bay.
The activity encourages the public to find the shell icons around the foreshore , using their smart-phone to unlock a selection of audio and video animations that interpret stories relevant to Walsh Bay.
NSW arts minister John Graham shared his excitement about the festivals return and its spotlight on both First Nations culture and its talented artists.
"Sydney Festival has timing on its side, delivering a burst of cultural expression and artistic activity from January 4 when the city is largely off work and ready to celebrate and explore during the long hot days and nights," he said.
"This year's edition puts First Nations artists at the forefront and brings new international works to Australia to ignite and inspire audiences. I encourage everyone to hunt through the program, attend and see what Sydney Festival 2025 has to offer."
Featuring over 130 shows and events, including 22 World Premieres, 24 Australian exclusives, 43 locations, and over 50 free events inclusive of more than 12 nights of free live music, Sydney Festival 2025 amasses an expansive roster of diverse local artists and renowned international names.
This installation will run from Friday the 17th of January to Sunday 27th of April.
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