Rolling art on a grand scale

Artists Seb Humphreys and Scott Coleman

There’s a new artwork on the way but you won’t find it in one of Goolwa’s many galleries.

Artists Scott Coleman and Seb Humphreys, together with local emerging artists, are busy secretly creating the first running aerosol train artwork to be commissioned in Australia on South Australia’s beloved Cockle Train.

Just Add Water’s Station to Station project is a special collaboration with SteamRanger.

The pair relish creating art on an industrial sized ‘canvas’. “Large scale is the best format for this kind of paint,” says Coleman. “The carriage is such a great background for a piece of art work and it’s an ideal location.”

“The artwork on the Cockle Train centres on the pattern-based theme with natural camouflage and a funky style over the top,” says Humphreys. “We want it to be harmonious with its unique surroundings.”

Just Add Water’s Executive Producer Jo Pike says this project is a rare opportunity to work with a local icon.

“Public art has the capacity to reach people who don’t walk into the galleries and if the art actually moves, people can encounter it in the most surprising places. We are indebted to SteamRanger for taking a leap of faith to work with Scott and Seb on this project.”

Jo explains Station to Station is the very happy convergence of four distinctive factors.

“The presence of the historical cockle train service, the open-mindedness of the SteamRanger organisation, the conviction of two major street artists that it could be done and the backing of Country Arts SA’s Just Add Water program all combine to make this project an absolute one-off, not only here in South Australia, but, as far as we know, anywhere in the world.”

Coleman and Humphreys’ gallery on wheels will roll between Goolwa andVictorHarboron Wednesdays and Sundays from September.

Intrigued by the chance to introduce aerosol art to a whole new public via this format, Humphreys is looking forward to getting a sense of the public reaction. “The art has no agenda besides producing an amazing piece of contemporary aerosol art and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with this art form,” said Humphreys.

“This project showcases advanced aerosol art to a community that rarely comes into contact with such work,” he says. “We also hope to create community relationships between SteamRanger, local artists and the Goolwa community.”