Poh Ling Yeow unveils Illuminate Adelaide Government House exhibit

Some of the most important women in SA’s history will be up in lights, along with the celeb chef’s own alter ego, in a centrepiece for the next Illuminate festival.

Celebrity chef and visual artist Poh Ling Yeow outside Government House. Picture: Matt Loxton

Women innovators from South Australia will have their images projected on the facade of Adelaide’s Government House, which will open its gates to the public, as part of this year’s Illuminate festival.

Celebrity chef Poh Ling Yeow will also have her other career as visual artist celebrated with her alter-ego painting character, known as The Girl, featured throughout the city’s East End.

“She morphs – I want people to be able to see themselves in her,” Poh said.

“It’s very encouraging to have this highlighting the successes of women: That solidarity is so needed.”

The Eyes, by Cool Shit, will be part of City Lights at Illuminate Adelaide 2023. Picture: Sam Wong, supplied

Arborialis, by UK company Architects of Air, will be at Illuminate Adelaide 2023. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

This year’s Illuminate program runs from June 28 until July 30, and will feature two new light-based installations by Canada’s multimedia Moment Factory studio, called Resonate at the Botanic Garden and Mirror Mirror in Victoria Square.

Creative directors Lee Cumberlidge and Rachael Azzopardi said their third winter Illuminate program would showcase leading examples of “the convergence of art and technology” from around the world.

“We are excited by the prospect of people gathering to connect with one another to celebrate art, light, music and technology.”

UK company Architects of Air, which has been bringing its “luminarium” inflatables to various Adelaide festivals since 2010, will also return with its new Arborialis installation at Rymill Park.

City Lights will be back with 40 new installations and projections in three precincts across the city.

Music also takes centre stage in the program with the return of electronic event Unsound Adelaide, the genre-defying series KLASSIK Underground, and dedicated concerts by Yothu Yindi, Oneohtrix Point Never, and Tourist at Hindley Street Music Hall.

The full program will be available from 8am Wednesday at illuminateadelaide.com