light shows
Moombaki
Presented for CROSSING 2021.
An epic spectacle of light, movement and sound transformed the night sky for the Fremantle Biennale’s presentation of Moombaki in November 2021.
The Nyoongar word for ‘where the river meets the sky’, Moombaki was a choreographed drone light show re-imagining the first stories of Whadjuk Nyoongar Country for all to experience.
With artworks created by Ilona McGuire and a narrative guided by story and knowledge held by Whadjuk Nyoongar Traditional Owners. Moombaki launched the Fremantle Biennale program in 2021.
Across eight nights and three locations in Fremantle, Melville and Cockburn, Moombaki saw over 160 drones take flight over the stage of the bilya (river) and wardan (ocean), to reveal a series of connected stories.
An Australian first, this unique sky show pioneered new technologies to tell ancient and living stories of place.
Music and Sound Design: Josh Hogan and Ned Beckley (Envelope Audio)
Photos by Duncan Wright
Kooranup — Wadjemup
“Kooranup, is the place beyond the horizon and past Moombaki, where the water meets the sky. It is the heavenly shore located in the far west. Our spirits final resting place in the Noongar Nyitting (Dreaming)”. – Ilona McGuire
As a part of the Fremantle Biennale’s fourth festival SIGNALS 23, First Lights: Kooranupwas presented; a sequel to the stories shared through First Lights: Moombaki in 2021. This epic spectacle of light, movement and sound will again transform the night sky with 160 drones taking flight over the stage of the bilya (river) and wardan (ocean).
The Fremantle Biennale’s fleet of 160 drones took flight over the bilya (river) and warden (ocean), revealing the first stories of place across three weekends and three locations, created by artists Yabini Kickett, Cass Lynch, Tyrown Waigana, and Ilona McGuire, guided by Whadjuk Nyoongar Traditional Owners.
The last chapter unfolded across the ocean, on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), with a collective offering, led by Ilona McGuire and writer Cass Lynch. This closing chapter offers a space for deep contemplation across land and water, weaving together the many stories across time, both beautiful and heartbreaking, that are held by the island.
First Lights
First Lights is a place-responsive, choreographed drone light and sound experience, presented by the Fremantle Biennale. For more info visit https://firstlights.com.au