XYZZY REDUX

XYZZY REDUX is a free large-scale projection by artist Jess Johnson and video director Simon Ward, presented on the façade of Hamer Hall as part of Melbourne's Now or Never festival. Reimagining their internationally shown work XYZZY in a new public setting, the installation turns Johnson's hand-drawn compositions into a constantly repeating, morphing digital landscape of animated flesh mandalas, self-replicating architecture, undulating worms and alien deities. A 1990s-inspired electronic synthesiser score by Andrew Clarke, Luke Rowell, Stef Animal and Lachlan Anderson accompanies the projection. The work runs on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 20 to 30 August 2026. Thursday–Saturday sessions operate from 6:00pm to 10:00pm; Sunday sessions on 23 and 30 August operate from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. View it on the Hamer Hall façade at Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank. Admission is genuinely free and no booking is required. City of Melbourne promotes the installation as family-friendly and lists mobility access. The work contains intense, hypnotic, constantly morphing animated imagery—including stylised human forms—and a prominent electronic soundtrack, so parents and visitors with sensory sensitivities should review the official festival page before attending. Accessibility information is organiser-supplied and not independently verified by the City. Contact nowornever@melbourne.vic.gov.au or 03 9658 9658 for specific access questions.