This photo of an opal by Robert A. Smith will feature in the OPALessence (play.with.colour) art installation
A light art installation inspired by the colours and patterns of Australia’s national gemstone is expected to wow 1.5 million people at the Vivid Sydney festival this year. The OPALessence (play.with.colour) art installation projects a light sequence onto the rock surface showcasing opal’s vivid play-of-colour in spectacular patterns such as Harlequin, Chinese Writing, Broad Flash, Mackerel Sky, Pinfire and Flower Garden.
OPALessence (play.with.colour) was created by Olivia Deskoski, whose family have been in the Australian opal industry for more than 45 years, and Amara Clarke, an award-winning lighting designer. Two of Australia’s leading opal photographers, Robert A Smith, a macraphotographer, and Len Cram, opal expert and author, also contributed images to the installation. OPALessence (play.with.colour) is supported by Black Star Opal, the Australian Opal Centre, the Jewellers Association of Australia, Opal Cove Resort, Lots of Watts Australia and Diamonds By Design.
JAA executive director Amanda Hunter said the uniqueness of the light installation and its inclusion in Vivid Sydney “makes it an ideal pairing for the Jewellers Association of Australia”.
“Our support of OPALessence (play.with.colour) not only presents a great opportunity to celebrate the visual beauty of Australia’s national gemstone, opal, but also for the JAA to assist our industry’s opal sector by creating greater awareness of the gem; especially given that opals are an Australian point of difference in the international jewellery market,” she said.
“Additionally, with limited advertising budgets we are always seeking new and innovative ways to promote the JAA and our members’ offerings to Australian jewellery consumers, a key focus for our many valued members, and the OPALessence program provides this, by aligning with such a key public event like Vivid.”
The OPALessence (play.with.colour) installation will be at The Rocks for 18 nights from May 22 to June 8.
For more information visit www.vividopal.com