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National Reconciliation Week Illumination

Artwork showing multiple swirling layers in shades of blue, purple, and hints of brown.
Artwork showing multiple swirling layers in shades of blue, purple, and hints of brown.

Overview

The façade of Australian Parliament House will be illuminated with the striking colours and design of Michelle's Tjala Dreaming (Honey Ant), a 2023 artwork by Michelle Lewis.

Michelle Lewis is a Pitjantjatjara artist. The artwork depicts how the tjala (honey ants) tunnel through the sandy soil. Alongside the tunnels are waterholes, trees, and shrubs.

The artist says that 'I am painting the landscape from above, as you might see it from an airplane or as a bird looking down. It is beautiful country both from on the ground and up above.'

Michelle Lewis lives and works in Pukatja community on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankuntjatjara (APY) Lands in the northwest of South Australia.

For three nights only, see this breathtaking artwork come to life on the Parliament House façade.

This is a free event.

Dates

27–29 May 2025
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Map of the venue locationMap of the venue location
Australian Parliament House1 Parliament Drive, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaGet Directions
  • Carpark
  • Coach Parking
  • Family Friendly
  • Parents Room
  • Public Toilet
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Point
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
  • Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
  • Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss.
  • Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
  • Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
  • Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person.
  • Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.