The Melbourne train station art exhibition, ‘Shadow Spirit: RISING’, is a captivating showcase of First Peoples art at Flinders Street Station. Running from June 7 to July 30, 2023, this immersive exhibition transforms abandoned rooms into spiritual realms. Featuring works by renowned Indigenous artists, the exhibition explores ancestral knowledge, water spirits, and protective guardians through various mediums. Visitors can experience this unique blend of traditional and contemporary art in the heart of Melbourne’s iconic railway station.
What are the Dates and Times for the Melbourne Train Station Art Exhibition?
The ‘Shadow Spirit: RISING’ exhibition at Flinders Street Station runs from June 7 to July 30, 2023. Operating hours are:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 11 AM to 7 PM (last entry 6 PM)
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM (last entry 8:45 PM)
- Sunday: 11 AM to 9 PM (last entry 7:45 PM)
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the final week
Who are the Featured Artists in the Melbourne Train Station Art Exhibition?
The exhibition showcases works by a diverse group of First Peoples artists from across Australia. Some of the featured artists include:
- Kimberley Moulton (VIC) – Yorta Yorta (Curator)
- Paola Balla (VIC) – Wemba Wemba/Gunditjmara
- Vicki Couzens (VIC) – Keerray Wooroong/Gunditjmara
- Karla Dickens (NSW) – Wiradjuri
- Julie Gough (TAS) – Trawlwoolway
- Rene Wanuny Kulitja (NT) – Pitjantjatjara
- Maningrida Arts & Culture (NT) – Kuninjku
- Hayley Millar Baker (VIC) – Gunditjmara/Djabwurrung
- Dylan Mooney (TSI/QLD) – Yuwi, Torres Strait Island and South Sea Islander
- The Mulka Project with Mulkuṉ Wirrpanda (NT) – Yolŋu
What Types of Art Installations Can Visitors Expect?
The Melbourne train station art exhibition offers a range of immersive and interactive installations:
- Water Spirits: A cavernous gymnasium hosting representations of water spirits from country and ancestral plains.
- Abstracted Desert Worlds: Artworks that speak to ancient wisdom still in practice today.
- Ballroom Immersion: An area weaving plant and animal ecologies with the spirit of senior artists, immersing visitors in country through song and ceremony.
- Protective Guardians: Illuminated works featuring protective spirits that warn and cause mischief, some incorporating music elements like rock and roll.
How Accessible is the Melbourne Train Station Art Exhibition?
The exhibition organizers have taken steps to ensure accessibility:
- A low sensory session is available on Sunday, July 16, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM, with adjusted sensory aspects.
- Seating is available throughout the exhibition, with additional seating upon request.
- The venue, Flinders Street Station, is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport.
What are the Ticket Prices and Options?
Ticket options for the Melbourne train station art exhibition include:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| General (weekdays, 12-3 PM) | $29 |
| Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | $88 |
| Family (1 Adult + 2 Children) | $60 |
| Community (Discounted for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities) | Varies |
Note: A $4 transaction fee applies to all bookings.
How Long Should Visitors Plan to Spend at the Exhibition?
Visitors are advised to allow approximately 75 minutes to fully explore the Melbourne train station art exhibition. The experience is designed to be self-guided, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the various interactive elements at their own pace.
What Makes This Melbourne Train Station Art Exhibition Unique?
The ‘Shadow Spirit: RISING’ exhibition stands out for several reasons:
- Venue: Utilizes the abandoned rooms of Flinders Street Station, transforming a historic space into a contemporary art showcase.
- Cultural Significance: Highlights the works of First Peoples artists from across Australia, offering insights into Indigenous cultures and traditions.
- Immersive Experience: Creates spiritual realms and ancestral knowledge systems through interactive and multi-sensory installations.
- Diverse Mediums: Incorporates various art forms, including visual arts, music, and ceremonial elements.
- Accessibility: Centrally located in Melbourne’s iconic train station, making it easily reachable for locals and tourists alike.
How Does the Exhibition Connect with Melbourne’s Cultural Scene?
The Melbourne train station art exhibition:
- Enhances the city’s reputation as a cultural hub by bringing art into an unexpected public space.
- Promotes Indigenous art and culture, aligning with Melbourne’s commitment to reconciliation and cultural diversity.
- Transforms a daily commuter space into a temporary gallery, making art accessible to a wider audience.
- Contributes to the RISING festival, which celebrates Melbourne’s art scene and creative spirit.
By hosting this exhibition, Flinders Street Station becomes more than just a transport hub; it evolves into a cultural landmark that bridges the gap between everyday life and artistic expression.