White Night at Federation Square

Liquid Sky

Liquid Sky is a 14,000 square foot holographic Skynet suspended to harness the wind and dance dramatically as if hanging in midair. It will be appearing for the first time in Australia and was specifically designed for Federation Square.

Patrick Shearn’s signature Skynets are a constant reminder of nature moving around us, inspired by the graceful nature of birds flocking together or schools of fish moving simultaneously.

At one moment the kinetic sculpture moves upwards to echo the sky above. Then it will lunge downward, pausing overhead to offer visitors a mesmerizing and reflective experience under an intimate silver ceiling.

The Bells

As part of White Night at Federation Square, five modern-day campanologists will assemble a giant bell tower in which they will perform extraordinary physical feats of endurance and discipline. The eight-metre high tower, featuring five huge ropes attached with a combination of bungee cords and specially designed audio switching systems, will act as a musical instrument in which the performers will alternate between precise choreography, intricate musical pieces and aerial chaos.

From as far back as the Bronze Age, bells would bring the surrounding community news – of celebration or mourning, of proclamation or warning. The ringer of the bells, the campanologist, was charged with this great responsibility.

Each 30-minute performance will alternate with a ritualistic bell tolling every hour as the night progresses.

In the News

The Age: The most photographed work of this year’s White Night will likely be Liquid Sky. US artist Patrick Shearn’s glimmering skynet is a 150-metre sheet of silver that will be suspended above Federation Square, undulating dramatically in response to the elements. For wow factor, it might be this festival’s top contender.