Follow the Companion Sky Spirit through a virtual walk on Country – emerging from the depths of subterranean soils to a ground-level play space, ascending to meet the celestial clouds.

kajoo yannaga is at once a cinematic story, an immersive two-channel projection and a gamified journey guided by First Nations knowledges. Through real-time motion tracking mapping body movement, connect to place and be transported to a vivid Spirit realm sprinkled with signs and signals for those who look to see. With self-determination and generosity in mind, the completion of each circular story cycle pulls you back to start again. Leave kajoo yannaga with a newfound understanding of our shared responsibilities for united, intergenerational healing.

Lead artist April Phillips is a Wiradjuri-Scottish woman of the galari/kalari peoples, based on the Yuin Nation. Her practice is aligned with representations of First Nations futurism, intergenerational healing and digital experimentation to celebrate the potential of computer art for a new world.

CO-PRESENTED BY

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Credits
Lead Artist: April Phillips (Wiradjuri-Scottish)
Virtual Art / Animation Director: Pat Younis (Lebanese–Australian)
Technical Director, Visual Effects and Interaction: Jordan East
Story Artists: Pat Younis, April Phillips
Musician, Vocals, Traditional Dancer, Mocap Actor: Warren Foster Jnr aka Prodikal-1 (Yuin Djiringanj)
Musician, Song Man, Language, Elder: Warren Ngarrae Foster Snr (Yuin Djiringanj)
Host Artist: Jarra Karalinar Steel (Boonwurrung, Wemba Wemba and Trawlwoolway)
Sound Composer: Mark Leahy
Sound Design and Mix: Jack Prest
3D Asset Designers: Alvin Zhong (Chinese–Australian), April Phillips, Pat Younis and Jarra Karalinar Steel
Exhibition Design: Youssofzay + Hart
Photogrammetry 3D object scans from real-world objects: Joel Spring and Genevieve Murray (photography April Phillips)

The first iteration of this work was commissioned and produced by Utp as Body Place at Bankstown Art Centre. This project was assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body’s VACS funding. With support from Create NSW, Creative Partnerships Australia, Neilson Foundation, Bankstown Arts Centre and Tactical Lab UNSW, with support from Creative Partnerships Australia through Plus1.

Please note: kajoo yannaga will run from 10am to 9pm daily. This is a free event and tickets are not required.

The creative team, including April Phillips, Warren Ngarrae Foster Snr, Warren Foster Jnr aka Prodikal-1, Pat Younis, Mark Leahy and Jordan East, will also appear at Stories of the Spirit Realm: kajoo yannaga (come on let’s walk together) on Tuesday 23 August.