Event Description
Telly Tuita Tongpop is a walk around the Sydney Festival precinct with particular attention to Telly Tuita’s immersive design elements.
Telly Tuita is Sydney Festival’s Visual Artist in Residence at The Thirsty Mile. Tuita draws on the maritime history of his ancestors and will frame the harbourside with extravagant totems, dancing divas and a rebirth of the SS John Oxley.
Born in Tonga, raised in Western Sydney and now based in Wellington, his work reflects his Pacific heritage and the bright lights of our city. Tuita promises to bring “healthy doses of kaleidoscopic chaos. The SS John Oxley is getting a makeover with Tuita’s signature textiles and patterns. The deification of vessels is an important aspect of the Tongpop practice – and Tuita will dress up the historic steamship for a glorious rebirth.
The festival destination Moonshine Bar will have six totems in Tuita’s iconic colours.
In the foyer you’ll also be greeted by a hanging totem and digital screens with the dancing Tēvolo (ghosts).
Tuita has teamed up with public art experts Amigo & Amigo for Colour Maze, an art wonderland for the whole family.
