Visiting UK artist and musician Brian Eno has lit up the sails of Sydney’s most iconic building.

Perhaps better known for his role as a music producer for bands like U2 and Coldplay, Brian Eno has come to Australia to help launch the Vivid Sydney winter festival.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Eno explained that a number of the world’s biggest projectors were set up around the harbour to project an evolving light art installation onto the curve of the Opera House sails – the first time they have been lit from both sides.

Adapted from his previous work 77 million paintings – described as a sort of ‘visual music’ – this display is made up of a continually changing, morphing series of abstract images that will light the building for the duration of the Vivid Sydney winter festival.

As part of this festival Eno has been commissioned to curate Luminous – a series of music, art and light events bringing artists and musicians from around the world and Australia to perform at the Opera House.

The launch of Luminous and the lighting of the sails also signals the beginning of the accompanying Smart Light Sydney festival which aims to demonstrate the potential for low energy lighting through displays and symposiums by a number of creatives.
 
Brian Eno will be presenting his keynote address at the Opera Theatre on Friday 29 May and will wrap up Luminous with a concert finale at the Concert Hall on Sunday 14 June.

Luminous
luminous.sydneyoperahouse.com

Smart Light Sydney
smartlightsydney.com.au

Photography by Peter Morris