As part of the ongoing series, which debuted in 2022 with Maree Clarke's Ancestral Memory, artist Aunty Zeta Thomson presents Spirits Of The Land, a newly commissioned artwork.
Ms Thompson, a highly respected Elder and descendant of the Yorta Yorta/ Wurundjeri/ Wamba Wamba/ Wiradjuri people, has created this outstanding piece which will light up Hamer Hall from June 7 to July 9.
Additionally, it will be showcased as part of the Shadow Spirit exhibition at Flinders Street Station during the RISING event.
Aunty Zeta Thomson, a storyteller, cultural advisor, and advocate, has previously exhibited her paintings in impactful ways.
In 2021, her artwork titled 'Mookies Around the Waterhole' adorned Melbourne tram routes as part of RISING's Arts Trams series.
Notably, she became the first Victorian Aboriginal artist to have her work showcased at Melbourne Museum's esteemed Bunjilaka Gallery.
Inspired by family stories, including the Yorta Yorta creation narrative, Aunty Zeta now seizes the opportunity to utilise Hamer Hall as a canvas, honoring Victorian Aboriginal culture and fostering connections with the wider public.
"These are the stories and beliefs of my people," Ms Thomson said.
"This work is to pass onto our younger generation and I think it is overdue. It's a way of remembering and keeping the stories from my mum, dad and family, and the culture they taught us alive."
Spirits Of The Land is a work that shares the beliefs and stories from both Aunty Zeta's lands and broader Aboriginal culture.
The storyline includes Mookies, the Ancestor spirits of Country, Hairy Bekka, a creature that teaches children to keep safe, and Min Min lights, malevolent illuminations to avoid.
"Mookie means spirit in Yorta Yorta," said Ms Thomson.
"In our culture, the old people would sing and clap our sticks or boomerangs together as they walked through the bush to let them (the Spirits) know that they were coming back to visit them again.
"It is important to strongly represent Victorian Aboriginal culture for people to know these ancient stories."
Curator and RISING Artistic Associate Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta) said "it's an honour to work with esteemed Elder Aunty Zeta Thomson and to animate her stories".
"Spirits Of The Land is a work that shares belief systems and stories that are not myths or folklore, but very real to First Peoples across the state," she said.
Troy Walsh, Executive Director First Nations, Equity and Inclusion, said: "Arts Centre Melbourne is incredibly excited to see Aunty Zeta Thomson's work Spirits Of The Land illuminating Hamer Hall."
"It's so important that we acknowledge Victorian Aboriginal culture and find ways to connect the wider public to First Nations communities giving greater visibility to their cultural heritage," he said.
"We encourage everyone to come down to see it, to learn more about this work and the story it tells of her land and people."
Victorians are invited to visit every day from sundown to midnight to celebrate Victorian Aboriginal culture, pay respect to Country and to honour its rich history.
The event is FREE and open to all who wish to visit.
