Creator of Uluru’s Field of Light launches new exhibition in Darwin

Snaking around a 2.5km path, a new attraction has been launched that’s set to have the same impact as the mega light installation in Uluru.

When it comes to seeing stars in the Outback, there’s probably no better place in Australia than the Northern Territory.

With Uluru’sField of Lights drawing more than 450,000 spectators each year to admire in its dazzling wonder, artist Bruce Munro has turned his sights on another location for his latest light-driven installation.

Stretching across 2.5km around Darwin’s city centre, the enormous outdoor exhibition features eight illuminated sculptures by the world renowned artist.

The illuminated sculpture, ‘Gathering of the Clans’. Picture: Tourism NT

Inspired by the Northern Territory’s capital city, Tropical Lights is Mr Munro’s first citywide exhibition in the world, with the collection reflecting the artist’s personal history of visiting Australia and the Northern Territory.

“This is a collection of smaller installations and a very different experience to Field of Lights,” Mr Munro told news.com.au.

Bruce Munro in front of one of his exhibits. Picture Katrina Bridgeford

“Those coming to Darwin for Tropical Lights will experience the beautiful city … which has everything a big city has but slightly more condensed. This exhibition is not about me plonking sculptures from (the) other side of the world and putting them in Darwin, the sculptures are inspired by Darwin.

“So I am interested to see if people enjoy it and feel and think the same I did when I first came here.”

It will be the first city-wide exhibition by Mr Munro, featuring eight immersive large-scale light installations through the Darwin CBD and Waterfront precinct.

The ‘Sun Lily’ exhibit. Picture: Tourism NT

Mr Munro and Northern Territory Tourism have decided to launch the exhibition during their notorious “wet season” which often sees low tourist numbers to the region. The hope is that the exhibition will attract more visitors to the Top End over the shoulder tourism season.

But Mr Munro, who lives in England, says the region completely transforms during the warmer weather, and if you don’t mind a bit of humidity, the city itself is the perfect place to be over the summer months.

The illuminated sculpture, ‘Telegraph Rose’. Picture: Tourism NT

The display will include a collection of new and existing work that reflects Mr Munro’s experiences in Australia and the Territory, including Darwin’s natural beauty, distinct wildlife, welcoming locals and spectacular sunsets.

“It is a challenge at this time of year, but to be honest I am slightly confused about the hesitation (of travelling during the wet season),” he said.

The Tropical Lights installation goes along a 2.5km path. Picture: Louise Denton

“We go to the West Indies at similar times of year with similar conditions, and you don’t bat an eyelid. People love it for the difference. Maybe we all need to look at Darwin slightly differently.

“I have just come from a winter in the UK and sat through a month of drizzle. I’d take this place any day. And I’m sure most of the world would too.”

Field of Light by artist Bruce Monro at Uluru has been a hit with tourists to the Outback. Picture: Alamy

Mr Munro’s new $3.5 million exhibition is free to view and is connected by a self-guided path to wander along. Each sculpture piece is intended to inspire interest during the day and hold special significance when they illuminate each night at 7pm.

His other Australian installation Field of Light at Uluru, which opened in April 2016, has attracted over 450,000 people and boosted flights to the region by 15 per cent, according to Tourism Northern Territory.

Tropical Light will open 1 November 2019 and run for six months closing on 30 April 2020.