As the world’s largest digital art gallery, THE LUME Melbourne has hosted experiences that have captivated and mesmerised hundreds of thousands of visitors since opening in 2021.
Previous installations have included Van Gogh Alive, Monet & Friends and now THE LUME is reinventing itself again through its latest installation experience, Connection, based on First Nations stories told through art, music and cutting-edge technology.
What makes this version great is its collaboration with Celebrity Chef Mark Olive to create a specially curated First Nations menu for its upcoming Connection experience. Mark has crafted a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavours of First Nations produce, blending traditional ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques.
A Bundjalung man with more than 40 years of culinary expertise, he brings his global recognition and passion for Indigenous Australian cuisine to Mirri, THE LUME's new dining space.
Drawing inspiration from his rich cultural heritage, Mark has designed a menu that pays homage to the traditions and flavours of the First Peoples. Incorporating native herbs and ingredients such as lemon myrtle, river mint, quandong and saltbush, Mirri offers an authentic and captivating dining experience.
Embedded within the Bundjalung language, 'mirri' means 'to see'. The concept, however, goes beyond mere visual observation; it signifies a spiritual and emotional perception and the ability to appreciate and connect with the world around us more deeply.
Mirri invites visitors to foster a deeper connection with First Peoples culture through art, music and food. A natural storyteller with a love of art, music and people, Mark passionately advocates for First Nations artists, artisans and creatives. Like millennia of Indigenous creators before him, he draws his inspiration - in the kitchen and beyond - from the Australian land.
"Just like many of the artists showcased in Connection, what I’m trying to do with this menu is entice people from all walks of life and all backgrounds to learn more about our rich Indigenous Australian culture and traditions,” he says.
"Every dish I create has a story behind it and one of my favourite parts of my job is sharing those stories. These are stories of Aboriginal communities who have been cooking with the same native ingredients I use in my dishes for thousands of years.”
At Mirri, guests can savour a selection of small plates, snacks and sweet treats that reflect the diverse flavours of Indigenous Australian cuisine. Two must-try dishes are Indigi-crumbed barramundi fingers with finger lime citrus mayonnaise and Mark’s signature mini pavlovas, served
with whipped wattle seed cream, fresh berries and Rosella Flower coulis.
More than two years in the making and produced with the curatorial support of the National Museum of Australia, Connection showcases First Peoples’ art and music on a scale that must be seen to be believed.
Spanning 3000 square metres of immersive gallery space, with projections four storeys high and an incredible display of original art to complement the main multi-sensory gallery, visitors are invited to step inside the works of Australia’s most celebrated First Nations artists. The likes of Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Tommy Watson, Clifford, Gabriella and Michelle Possum Nungurrayi, Anna Pitjara and Lin Onus headline more than 110 visual and musical artists that, together, make Connection the largest representation of First Peoples art and culture ever assembled.
Tickets are on sale now via thelumemelbourne.com
