Morley Station Carpark
I was thrilled to win the tender to create a major public artwork for the Morley Station carpark as part of the METRONET project. My concept was selected because of its strong connection to Morley – it referenced iconic institutions and shared experiences from the past 40 years. I wanted the work to create a sense of continuity between the well-established, historical side of Morley and the new, modern space of the train station and its surrounds.
The final artwork was made up of three main areas: a blade wall, a series of perforated screens, and the level 1 balustrade wall. Together, they formed a bold, modern statement that helped shape the arrival and departure experience in a meaningful way.
The blade wall featured the word "Morley" in large, colourful, overlapping letters – a visual reference to the classic Morley Markets font. I included abstract patterns inspired by local history, with nods to the old Boans department store and architectural designs from the area. I also created detailed black-and-white illustrations of curry leaves, olives, dragon fruit and bananas, which tied into the perforated screens nearby.
The perforated screen artwork wrapped around the carpark and offered a modern-retro take on Morley’s past and present. I focused on edible plants as a visual motif, to reflect the influence of Morley’s multicultural communities and how they’ve shaped the local environment and culture.
The level 1 balustrade wall was where I really got to lean into the nostalgia. I combined archival images with playful, colourful references to local culture – starting with the old Boans department store and moving through scenes featuring the Morley Seal sculptures, the Wirrina Drive-In Theatre, and the much-loved Morley Rollerdrome. It was also important for me to acknowledge the area’s Italian and Asian communities, so I included details and colour palettes that spoke to those cultural influences.
This project was a joy to work on – not only because it allowed me to explore Morley’s rich history, but because it reminded me of the power public art has to connect people to place. I hope the finished work brings a sense of pride and recognition to the local community, while welcoming new visitors with a bold and colourful snapshot of what makes Morley unique.
