Indigenous artwork features on Sydney Opera House in Dawn Reflection service

The sails of one Australia’s most iconic landmarks have been lit up by the work of an Indigenous artist on the morning of Australia Day.

The iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House have featured a projection of Indigenous artwork on the morning of Australia’s controversial national day.

The digital artwork displayed on Friday morning depicted four Indigenous men and women and was completed by Kooma digital artist Brett Leavy in consultation with the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council.

The Sydney Opera House said the projection was part of the Dawn Reflection service in Circular Quay.

Indigenous artist Brett Leavy completed the work. Picture: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images

“The work represents and celebrates First Nations history, culture and people and invites everyone to pause, reflect and remember as the artwork is revealed on the nation’s most iconic canvas,” the Sydney Opera House said.

Sydneysiders took to social media to thank the Opera House for their show of support towards Indigenous Australians and said the artwork was simply “amazing”.

One woman said: “Love it. We are ONE, we are Australian,” while others described the digital art as “magnificent” and “stunning”.

However, others were less than pleased with the display, as one Aussie labelled the projection as “virtue signalling crap”.

Nathan Scott plays the didgeridoo before the sails of the Sydney Opera House are illuminated by a projection of Indigenous artwork. Picture: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images

Another social media user said it was “disappointing to see only one culture represented on a day where we celebrate the many cultures that make this country one”, and another user suggested the Australian flag or images of Captain James Cook be projected instead.

The sales of the Opera House were also illuminated by Indigenous artwork completed by First Nations artist Rhonda Sampson on Australia Day last year.

As the sun sets on Friday, an Australia Day live concert with performances from stars such as Dami Im, Katie Millier-Heidke and William Barton will take place in the Opera House forecourt.

Another show on Sydney Harbour will feature a “flotilla of yachts, light displays on the Opera House sails and Harbour Bridge, plus a dazzling fireworks show”.