- Published:
- Monday 1 August 2022
Five world-class artists have been selected to create large-scale permanent artworks for each of the Metro Tunnel’s new underground stations, further strengthening Melbourne’s reputation as the nation’s cultural capital.
The artists were chosen following a rigorous process by an expert advisory panel including leading figures from Victoria’s creative industries. The artists are:
- Abdul Abdullah (Arden Station) – a multi-disciplinary Australian artist whose work focuses on the experiences of othering, Abdullah's work has been included in exhibitions at international and Australian museums and galleries including the National Gallery of Australia.
- Patricia Piccinini (Parkville Station) – an internationally acclaimed Melbourne artist who represented Australia at the 50th Venice Biennale, Piccinini’s work examines the boundaries between the artificial and the natural and what it means to be human.
- Danie Mellor (State Library Station) – Mellor’s work explores the landscape and relationships between First Nations and non-Indigenous cultures, and is held in galleries including the National Gallery of Australia and the British Museum.
- Rafael Lozano-Hemmer (Town Hall Station) – Lozano-Hemmer is a Mexican-Canadian artist whose work is known for fusing architecture, technology and public participation. His work is held by institutions around the world, including Mona in Hobart and the National Gallery of Victoria.
- Raafat Ishak (Anzac Station) – Egypt-born Melbourne-based Ishak’s work focuses on the history of painting and architecture. He is Head of Painting at the University of Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts.
They join Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung artist Maree Clarke, who was announced in 2020 as the artist commissioned for a work spanning all five new underground stations.
The new stations’ artworks and architectural design features will become new landmarks in the cultural fabric of the city, giving Melburnians and visitors the opportunity to experience world-class art and design every day.
The artworks are still under development in a process involving the artists, station architects and engineers, and will be revealed before the opening of the Metro Tunnel in 2025 – a year ahead of schedule.
The Metro Tunnel will create capacity for more passengers across Melbourne’s rail network and bring locals and visitors to the doorstep of iconic Melbourne cultural institutions including The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, ACMI and the Arts Centre Melbourne.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos
“These outstanding artists will produce major public works that will showcase Melbourne's reputation for excellence in its urban design, architecture and creative industries.”
“The Metro Tunnel Project will not only transform the way we travel – it will be part of what makes Melbourne the cultural capital of our country.”