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6 April 2016 by Simon Langley
Standing alongside the ethereal sunrises and sunsets that set Uluru’s vast red surface aglow, Australia’s best-loved national icon has a new lights display. Esteemed artist Bruce Munro – whose past work has lit up everywhere from entire Korean islands to Cornwall’s Eden Project – has taken on his most ambitious project yet – to light up a 49,000 square metre section of Australia’s spiritual heart using solar power.
Credit: Mark Pickthall
Indeed, it was here during a 1992 visit to Australia’s Red Centre that Munro first conceived the idea that he’s exhibited around the world. The Englishman recalls that he wanted “to create an illuminated field of stems that, like the dormant seed in a dry desert, would burst into bloom at dusk with gentle rhythms of light under a blazing blanket of stars”.
And, thanks to 144 high-powered projectors and 380 kilometres of fibre optic cable, the effect is nothing short of magical. Taken as a whole, the desert appears to be set ablaze under the night’s sky as 50,000 frosted glass spheres are angled on spheres to cover entire tracts. However, walk in among the lights to get a closer look and it appears for all the world as a series of gently pulsating neural pathways with muted greens and deep reds. It’s a fitting symbol for a land that’s revered above all else by the Aboriginal population; Uluru – according to myth – was the earth’s original creation and just by touching it they can communicate with their ancestors.
Guests can dine on the plains, with the Field of Light and Uluru serving as a unique backdrop.
Credit: Mark Pickthall
And, the field – after 3,900 hours of onsite setup – has already blossomed and will stay in situ until 31 March 2017. To experience the display, the excellent Longitude 131° with its luxury canvassed cabins offers viewing sessions as part of its events programme; there’s everything from spa mornings to afternoon expeditions to the dramatic rock domes at Kata Tjuta and treks through deep gorges. In the evening, perhaps drink in the lights as you enjoy fine dining under the stars.
Credit: Mark Pickthall
Interested in witnessing the Field of Light?
The exhibition must be pre-booked. For more details, please call one our consultants. You will not be able to attend without an advance booking.
