One of the features of DARK MOFO is the Ogoh Ogoh.

It is a demon like sculpture, common in Balinese Hinduism. People write down their fears, and feed them to the ogoh ogoh. At the end of the festival, the ogoh ogoh is paraded along the street and cremated in ceremonial smoke, fire and noise.

It has taken me a couple of years to get used to this idea, but right now, with everything going on in the world, it felt right to put my fears on paper, give them to this stunning sculpture based on the extinct Tasmanian Tiger, the Thylacine, and watch them go up in flames.

This evening, we joined the parade and “the burning”.

Although it originates from a very different culture and religion to my own, it felt remarkably calming and therapeutic to be a part of this ceremony.

Hobart’s winter festival is in full swing with a two week programme of art and music at numerous venues around the city.

DARK PARK
Lasers, lights, live music, food vans and bars.

STREET ART and PERFORMANCE ART
Animation projected onto our “Save the Tasmanian Devil” mural.
Students from the Art College engage with the public.

WINTER FEAST
A banquet of local Tasmania produce and dishes, on offer from a variety of vendors, guest chefs and favourite restaurants, vineyards, distillers. Great food and atmosphere both inside the wharf building and outside with the fire pits.

It has been great to see so many people out, enjoying the festival. All generations, locals and tourists. And the weather has been perfect, dry mild winter nights.