Barangaroo Rays: Mermer Waiskeder – Stories of the Moving Tide

The Barangaroo Rays project, also known as Mermer Waiskeder: Stories of the Moving Tide, is a stunning permanent public artwork created in collaboration with Erub Arts and the Ghost Net Collective. The installation features 11 hand-stitched eagle rays, each spanning 2.8 meters, crafted from discarded ghost nets—a symbol of marine conservation and sustainability. Suspended above Exchange Square at Barangaroo, these rays float gracefully, creating an immersive experience that evokes the sensation of being underwater.

This artwork highlights the cultural significance of rays, which are important totems for the Torres Strait Islanders and have a historical presence in Sydney Harbour carvings. The artists, including Lynnette Griffiths, Marion Gaemers, Jimmy John Thaiday, and Lavinia Ketchell, blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary environmental concerns. By using recycled ghost nets, the installation conveys a powerful message about sustainability and the urgent need for ocean conservation, making the artwork both visually striking and thought-provoking.

The collaboration with First Nations artists from Erub Island emphasises the deep connections between the community, the sea, and cultural heritage. The designs of the rays reflect both past and present, merging Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge to create a unified message about the importance of protecting our environment.

This project is a testament to Barangaroo’s commitment to public art and cultural contributions, emphasising the First Nations' connections to the area and its rich history as a place of fishing and gathering for the Gadigal people. Through this artwork, Barangaroo continues to honour its role as a hub for community engagement and cultural storytelling.

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