Artworks by Paraguayan indigenous artist Osvaldo Pitoé will illuminate the sails of Sydney Opera House from 2 November 2026. Inspired by Arete Guasu, a traditional celebration of Western Guaraní communities in Paraguay’s Chaco region, the audiovisual projection will run nightly for one year as part of the Badu Gili programme.
The projection will last approximately three and a half minutes and appear several times each evening. Pitoé will travel abroad for the first time to attend the presentation in person, bringing his artistic interpretation of Guaraní traditions to an international audience.
The artist preserving Guaraní traditions
Born in the Guaraní community of Km. 12 in the Paraguayan Chaco, Pitoé draws inspiration from his community’s traditions. His distinctive illustrations document everyday activities, ancestral practices and collective memories. He initially became known for drawing with ballpoint pens on paper, depicting scenes from indigenous life.
Arete Guasu, meaning “great celebration”, brings together Western Guaraní communities through music, traditional dances and spiritual practices. The annual celebration strengthens community bonds. Pitoé chose it as the central inspiration for his contribution, translating its cultural significance into visual storytelling.
From the Chaco to Sydney harbour
Pitoé’s work entered the collection of the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, where curator Bruce Johnson McLean discovered his illustrations. McLean, a First Nations Curatorial Fellow at the Biennale of Sydney, subsequently helped bring Pitoé’s work to the Badu Gili programme.
The artist collaborated remotely with Australian teams for several months to develop the audiovisual presentation. He supervised the storyboards, animations, musical elements and final version to preserve the cultural authenticity of his work.
What is Badu Gili?
Badu Gili showcases indigenous art and storytelling through projections onto the sails of Sydney Opera House. Its name means “water light” in the language of the Gadigal people, the Traditional Custodians of Bennelong Point.
The programme is a collaboration between Sydney Opera House, the Biennale of Sydney and the Fondation Cartier. Previous editions have featured indigenous artists from Australia and other countries, including Yanomami artist Joseca Mokahesi from the Amazon.
