The bold artworks of visionary Australian artist and activist David McDiarmid are erupting across the Opera House sails in a spectacular celebration of queer joy and defiance. The kaleidoscopic works of McDiarmid (1952-1995) have been reimagined by creative technologists VANDAL and soundtracked by Australian electronic duo Stereogamous, a collaboration between music producers, sound stylists, activists and agathists, Paul Mac and Jonny Seymour.
Marking 30 years since McDiarmid’s death from AIDS-related illnesses, Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light transforms his iconic Rainbow Aphorisms, Bedsheet Paintings and Disco Kwilts into a pulsing seven-minute tribute that captures his fearless fusion of activism and artistry.
Lighting of the Sails is co-curated by the Sydney Opera House and Destination NSW.
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2025 theme, ‘Dream’, sparks imagination and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW’s cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation.
About Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House
Since 2009, Vivid LIVE, the annual centrepiece of the Opera House’s year-round contemporary music program, has celebrated cutting-edge and iconic artists who defy expectations and break new ground. Curated for the tenth time by the Head of Contemporary Music Ben Marshall, Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House 2025 presents Australian exclusive performances, premieres, anniversaries, studio parties, one-off projects and unmissable performances from Australian artists, influential global acts, emerging voices and Sydney’s vibrant local communities. Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House is the only time of year that the world-famous venue is completely reimagined by live contemporary music and art – from its majestic theatres, foyers, studio and, most publicly, its iconic sails. The Sydney Opera House and Destination NSW co-curated this year’s Lighting of the Sails, a new digital artwork Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light by David McDiarmid. Watch all Vivid LIVE past highlight videos here.
Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light
Lighting of the Sails runs every night of Vivid Sydney from 6pm – 11pm AEST, 23 May – 14 June
In-person at Circular Quay
