The façade of Australian Parliament House will be illuminated with the striking colours and design of Michelle’s Tjala Dreaming (Honey Ant), a 2023 artwork by Michelle Lewis.

Michelle Lewis is a Pitjantjatjara artist. The artwork depicts how the tjala (honey ants) tunnel through the sandy soil. Alongside the tunnels are waterholes, trees, and shrubs.

The artist says that ‘I am painting the landscape from above, as you might see it from an airplane or as a bird looking down. It is beautiful country both from on the ground and up above.’

Michelle Lewis lives and works in Pukatja community on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankuntjatjara (APY) Lands in the northwest of South Australia.

For 3 nights only, see this breathtaking artwork come to life on the Parliament House façade.

The original artwork will also be on public display in Parliament House from 30 June to 14 July.

This is a free event. 

Image: Courtesy of AUSPIC, Department of Parliamentary Services. Depicting: Michelle Lewis (born 1983), Pitjantjatjara people, Michelle’s Tjala Dreaming (Honey Ant), 2023, Parliament House Art Collections.