Crystal People
EVENT NOW OVER
There’s something hauntingly beautiful happening on the lakes at Sir James McCusker Park – 52 crystalline human figures rising from the water, swaying with every breath of wind, changing with every shift of light.
Crystal People is a meditation on community, transformation and our connection to the elements, brought to life by French theatrical company Ilotopie. These larger-than-life luminescent sculptures aren’t static installations – they’re living, breathing presences that respond to their environment. On the northern lake, 6 dancing couples sway together in silent choreography, whilst scattered individuals rise stubbornly against the wind across the southern lake. Near the bank, solitary silhouettes wait, watching.
Throughout the day, these figures play with seasonal light and shadow, their forms shifting and multiplying in the water’s reflection. They charge themselves with solar energy, becoming gloriously luminescent as twilight falls, creating an entirely different experience after dark. Crystal People invites you to witness the grace of air, water and light giving life to these human imprints.
This is installation art that speaks to our shared humanity, our relationship with nature, and the importance of living in harmony with the elements. Whether you visit during your morning walk, pause during lunch, or return as the sun sets to see them glow, each encounter offers something new. These persistent reflections on the water’s surface testify to our communal life, our daily traces, and the beauty of existence shaped by forces beyond our control.
Perfect for contemplative moments, family outings, or romantic evening strolls – Crystal People transforms your local park into a space of wonder and meaning. For 16 magical days, Joondalup becomes home to these ethereal beings that remind us we’re all connected to something bigger than ourselves.
Sessions & Times
There are no upcoming events for this program.
Extra things to know
Ilotopie is a renowned French theatrical company that has spent years investing in research around the dialogue between humans, elements, landscapes and their uses.
Using performative, visual and theatrical language as tools of expression, they create works that offer new perspectives on our society and our relationship with the natural world.
Crystal People represents their ongoing exploration of how art can unreason a place and piece together new points of view about community and environmental connection. Also presenting Acqua Forte Parade at Hillarys Boat Harbour during Joondalup Festival 2026.
Sir James McCusker Park is located on the corner of Serena Way and Naturaliste Boulevard in Iluka. The installation is positioned across both the northern and southern lakes, with 6 dancing couples on the northern lake and up to 40 individual silhouettes on the southern lake. The sculptures are visible from multiple vantage points around both bodies of water.
Limited free parking is available around the park perimeter and in a small car park off Silver Sands Drive, or catch the 470 bus from Joondalup train station.
This is an outdoor installation viewable from the pathways surrounding the lakes. The park features paved and grassed areas, with pathways generally wheelchair accessible along the lake perimeter.
Multiple viewing spots are available around the lake, allowing visitors to experience the sculptures from different angles. Park benches and grassed areas provide seating options for those who want to spend time with the installation.
The outdoor setting means comfortable shoes are recommended for walking the lake paths.
Pro tip: Visit at different times of day for completely different experiences – morning light creates soft shadows, midday reflections shimmer on the water, and evening luminescence transforms the sculptures into glowing presences. Each visit reveals new aspects of the installation. Be sure to explore both lakes to see all 52 installations.
Join us for Dawn Flow – sunrise yoga sessions by the lake with the Crystal People as your backdrop, held on Sundays 8, 15 and 22 March at 7:00am.
Joondalup locals seeking daily encounters with art, existing park users and dog walkers, tourists wanting unique Perth experiences, photographers capturing different light conditions, families enjoying outdoor art together, couples seeking romantic lakeside moments.
Program details
7 March 2026 - 22 March 2026
Free
All ages