Murmurations

Murmurations is a public response to the unique history of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Hyde Park Barracks as a site representing the forced migration of people.

Murmurations is a digital artwork by First Nations artist Tony Albert and Sāmoan–Australian artist Angela Tiatia, commissioned specifically for the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Hyde Park Barracks. The work brings together First Nations perspectives from Australia and the Pacific to explore the history of the Barracks as a site of migration.

Artists statement

Murmurations tells the migration story of two separate groups through the lens of indigeneity. The artistic team look at a world, time and place abstracted and ever-morphing; perhaps it is far into the future or long ago in the past. The work centres around exploration and encounters; not ones met through politics, war or conflict, but through love, ceremony and engagement. Murmurations asks what we have to give to one another, rather than what we want to take away. Migration and coming together become a direct focus for shaping our understanding.

Murmurations program

Streaky clouds in the sky above the Hyde Park Barracks.
Past event

Art in Warrane

Join us for a public art walking tour through the rich history and cultural heritage of Sydney’s Hyde Park Barracks and surrounding areas

Sunday 21 May 11am–12pm
Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts
Past event

Murmurations: Community Cultural Festival

This family-friendly event will include performance, workshops, talks and food

Sunday 28 May 10am–3pm
Convict love token, 1825
Past event

Make your own love token

Join us for a hands-on activity that asks you to think about the strong bonds that remain between loved ones even when migration keeps people apart

Saturday 1 April 10am–2pm
Close up of hands beginning to weave a circle out of dried raffia.
Past event

Weaving a Connection to Culture

Join First Nations facilitators from Australia and the Pacific who will share their unique weaving practices

Sunday 2 April 10am–2pm
Murmurations. Tony Albert and Angela Tiatia
Past event

Murmurations: Artist Talk

Join Angela Tiatia and Tony Albert as they discuss their major new work, Murmurations

Thursday 30 March 6pm–7pm
Murmurations. Tony Albert and Angela Tiatia
Past event

Make your own lei using recycled materials

Kids will learn how to make their very own lei using recycled materials

Wednesday 12 April 10am–11am

City of Sydney Logo

This project is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW Blockbusters Funding initiative. The Murmurations program was commissioned by the City of Sydney as part of Art & About.

Past exhibition

  • 30 March - 4 June 2023