By Tate Papworth
A Sunshine artist’s narrative of Aboriginal experiences will feature prominently around Melbourne.
Hayley Millar-Baker is one of seven artists commissioned for the 2018 Melbourne Art Trams.
The project transforms eight trams into public artworks as part of the visual arts program at the Melbourne International Art Festival.
Millar-Baker said her design explored the connection to country, land, flora and fauna.
“I’m a Gunditjmara woman – people from the south west – and I wanted to bring my country into this country,” she said.
“I normally make quite intricate works, but when I was making this one I wanted to make something quite simple.
“You’ll still need a couple of looks to capture every animal in there, but my main concept was to bring country to Melbourne city.”
Millar-Baker said her design was meant to tell a story.
“I’m not wanting to educate people with this,” she said.
“I wanted something humble, that makes people feel good. There’s no colour in it, but I think the feel-good factor comes from recognising the totems.”
Millar-Baker’s tram will hit the tracks on October 4. The trams will remain on the streets until early 2019.
A people’s choice award will be announced following the release of the trams, with the public able to vote for their favourite tram.
Details: www.festival.melbourne/arttrams
