A new fleet of trams featuring the work of First Nations artists has been rolled out across the entire Narrm tram network, led by the work of trailblazing Indigenous art icon and KuKu Yalanji and Erub/Mer Mer woman, Dr Destiny Deacon, who passed away last month.
Entitled "Blak on Track", the six trams will traverse the city, showcasing the creative visions of the artists, and is curated by Boonwurrung/Wemba Wemba artist Jarra Karalinar Steel.
This year's selection, as part of Melbourne's RISING festival of new art music and performance, will help form a moveable tapestry of mediums, styles and ideas, celebrating the dynamism of Indigenous expression that enriches Australia's most culturally renowned city.
The first tram is adorned by Dr Deacon's work, 'Arrears Windows', which comes from the 'Gazette" series of digital photos taken in 2009, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of the residents of the Melbourne housing towers.
Credited with coining the term "Blak," which would become a powerful linguistic and cultural assertion, Dr Deacon's work throughout her career address's themes of identity, race, and cultural stereotypes - often through humour or irony to critique the representation of Aboriginal people in the mainstream media and culture.
Her work features images such as dolls, kitsch objects and family members. It challenges the viewer on their perceptions, encouraging them to engage with the complexities of Indigenous identity.
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"It's impossible to overstate the impact that Dr Destiny Deacon has had on art in this country, on a generation of First Nations artists, and on me personally," Ms Karalinar Steel said.
"This is why being able to present her work as the first to roll out this year as part of the First Peoples Melbourne Art Trams program is such an immense honour."
She said Dr Deacon's "raw, tongue-in-cheek style of social commentary" always resonated deeply as she grew up inspired by the artists of Narrm's Urban Indigenous Art movement.
"The title of this years' series Blak on Track would literally not have been possible without her," Ms Karalinar Steel said.
"Her iconic Blak dolls capture the essence of her powerful message and are a perfect tribute to her legacy. Curating this project for my final year and including Destiny's work feels like the culmination of my journey with the Art Trams.
"I hope it inspires passengers to learn more about her and other brilliant artists who have shaped our culture."
Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, said it was fitting to see "Dr Destiny Deacon's incredible talent and groundbreaking legacy" lead this year's First Peoples Melbourne Art Trams.
"Destiny's tram will be the first of six trams featuring exceptional artworks by First Peoples artists that will travel around our city and suburbs as part of the latest edition of this much-loved and distinctly Melbourne public art program," he said.
The six trams featuring First Nations artists:
KuKu Yalanji and Erub/Mer Mer artist Destiny Deacon
Route Number: 1, 6 and 19
Tram number: 5012
Title: Arrears Windows
Description: Offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Melbourne's public housing tower residents, highlighting individual narratives and struggles through evocative imagery.
Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta artist Milla Morgan
Route Number: 1, 6 and 19.
Tram number: 5002
Title: I Just Wanted to Say Sorry
Description: Reflects on the varied forms of First Nations art and aims to reframe perceptions, fostering shared understanding and connection within the community.
Wadawurrung artist Kait James
Route Number: 3, 64 and 67.
Tram number: 2017
Title: Hung Out to Dry
Description: Challenges colonial narratives and celebrates cultural complexities using pop culture references, Blak humour, text, and vivid colours on reclaimed Aboriginal calendar tea towels.
Taungurung artist Iluka Sax-Williams
Route number: 70 and 75
Tram number: 236
Title: Kulin Woora Liwik—Kulin Sky Ancestors
Description: Celebrates the connection to ancestors through nature's Songlines, emphasising their presence in the land, waters, and atmosphere, and their role in guiding the future.
Gunditjmara/Yorta Yorta/Wemba Wemba artist Thomas Day
Route number: 5, 6, 16, 58 and 72
Tram number: 3532
Title: Yarkeen—Dreams
Description: Offers a cultural viewpoint on the timelessness and ethereal nature of the world, celebrating the connection between the physical and spirit worlds.
Torres Strait Islander artist Ellen José
Route number: 48, 78 and 109
Tram number: 3023
Title: Reach Out And Touch—Distance And Time
Description: Emphasises the enduring impact of war on individuals and communities, depicting themes like memory, yearning, regret, and Torres Strait culture.
