JAMES VOLLER
FERGUSON STREET
The Ferguson Street level crossing removal saw T Projects working with the Western Program Alliance to commission artist and photographer James Voller. James visited the nearby Newport Rail Museum, to photograph their extraordinary collection of steam, diesel and electric trains as well as a host of other railway exhibits. The legendary locomotive "Heavy Harry" features in the resulting public art, encasing one of the station’s utility buildings at the Ferguson Street level crossing and new North Williamstown Station.
Client
Artist
James Voller
Project Team
Western Program Alliance with Denton Corker Marshall, Hassell and Arup
Fabricator
Photography
T Projects and James Voller
‘Heavy Harry’, the heaviest steam powered train to ever operate in Victoria, was manufactured in 1941 and now lives only a short walk away from the Ferguson Street level crossing, lovingly cared for by volunteers at the Newport Rail Museum, who recently held celebrations to mark the museum's 80th birthday.
James said it had been an honour to have access to such a well-preserved piece of history.
'The history of trains is in sync with how Melbourne has grown – across history so many important resources were brought in off the back of trains,' he said.
'It’s so important to be conscious of the past even as we’re moving forward, and also important to see public artwork playing a part in these new builds.'
JAMES VOLLER
James Voller is a New Zealand born, Melbourne-based photographic artist. Since moving to Melbourne in 2012, he has developed a practice that works with a range of different communities, both in galleries and public spaces. He has recently completed a Master of Fine Art by Research (High Distinction) through Monash University and also holds a coursework Master of Fine Arts from RMIT University, and a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Canterbury.
He has previously been included in several group exhibitions, including Streets of Gold at the Museum of London in 2012. In 2010, he received the Ethel Susan Jones Travelling Scholarship from the University of Canterbury to undertake research in Europe and also completed the RMIT Krems Artist Residency in Austria. James’s practice is focused on creating large-scale public art works that examine place and architecture. Upcoming projects include an ArtTram in the Melbourne Festival, and a residency at Kala Institute in the United States in 2016.
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