Kinngait artist Ningiukulu Teevee brings Inuit legend to life at Sydney Opera House
One of Teevee's animated illustrations of the Inuit legend The Owl and the Raven is projected onto the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House as part of the First Nations show Badu Gili: Story Keepers. This captivating display, which will run nightly until 2026, is a collaboration between the Sydney Opera House, the Biennale of Sydney, and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain in Paris.
Teevee's artwork, a six-minute animation, is paired with the paintings of Gooniyandi elder Mervyn Street, bringing together two distinct artistic voices. The Gooniyandi are an Indigenous people from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, adding a layer of cultural significance to the exhibition.
Teevee's journey to Australia was a profound experience. She traveled with her brother to witness the projection of her work on this renowned landmark, feeling a mix of disbelief and excitement. The long flight, spanning over 13 hours, was a symbolic connection to her late father, Joanasie Salamonie, who was a pioneer in Inuit film and television and visited Australia in the late 1960s.
The story of The Owl and the Raven, which Teevee first heard as a child, is a powerful reflection of human nature and the wisdom found in Inuit traditions. Teevee's animation brings this ancient tale to life, exploring the restless spirit of Raven and the calm wisdom of Owl. She credits Kinngait artist and storyteller Mialia Jaw, who passed away in 2006, as an inspiration for her captivating illustrations.
This projection is not Teevee's first international showcase. In 2024, her 26 pieces were featured in the exhibit Stories from Kinngait at Canada House in London, England. Teevee's talent is also recognized in the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq collection, where 47 of her pieces are displayed. In 2023, she won the Inuit Art Foundation's biennial Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award, which includes a solo exhibition at the gallery this fall.
Teevee expressed gratitude for the opportunity, the interest of the Australian people, and the hospitality she received. She also dedicated the exhibition to her loved one, Joanasie Salamonie, emphasizing the emotional connection to her father's legacy.
