Indigenous Art and Cultural Storytelling
Vivid Sydney 2026 will present its most extensive programme to date at the Australian National Maritime Museum. From 22 May to 13 June, the museum will showcase Indigenous art and storytelling, featuring the work of renowned Zenadth Kes artist Brian Robinson. Robinson, celebrated for his exhibition Ur Wayii (Incoming Tide), will have his work featured prominently.
The museum precinct will light up with ‘Mythical Mashup: The Graphic Worlds of Brian Robinson,’ highlighting Robinson’s celebrated art. A major attraction is the ‘Sea Gathering’ event on 2 June, which integrates art, music, and storytelling in a unique experience. This event will take place during Reconciliation Week, recognizing the importance of engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. The theme ‘All in’ encourages collective recognition of Australia’s shared history.
During ‘Sea Gathering’, attendees can participate in free art workshops to create Cosmic Collage artworks inspired by Robinson’s iconic imagery. Large-scale Paper Gardens installations, luminescent face painting, and retro arcade games will also feature prominently. Visitors can remix Robinson’s imagery using risograph prints, collage papers, mixed media, and printmaking techniques. audiences can contribute to collaborative Paper Gardens installations, crafting glowing sculptural forms from recycled materials.
Major Installations and Events
The event will highlight two significant installations: ‘Cosmic Chase,’ which transforms the museum rooftop into an animated battleground, and ‘Floating Realm,’ a spectacular display of LED-lit sculptures across the harbour. The Cosmic Chase installation blends humor, marine life, and pop-culture icons, creating a dynamic visual experience.
On 10 June, the Vivid Minds programme will host ‘Beyond the Bleach’, offering discussions on the Great Barrier Reef with insights from Brian Robinson and marine biologist Emma Camp. This event aims to raise awareness about marine conservation and the impact of climate change on coral reefs.
Museum Director Daryl Karp AM emphasised, ‘Vivid Sydney is a vital moment for the Museum each year, giving us a powerful platform to connect audiences with art, culture, and storytelling in unforgettable ways.’
Vivid Sydney 2026 runs from 22 May to 13 June. For more details and events, visit vividsydney.com.
