In a fusion of art, culture, and charity, ‘Journey Beyond’ has proudly inaugurated ‘The Art of Rail’, a highly anticipated exhibition curated at the Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal. This art festivity stretches throughout August and offers unique interpretations of Australia’s iconic rail journeys—The Ghan, Indian Pacific, and Great Southern—through the discerning eyes of three prolific artists.
This inventive venture is part of the ongoing South Australian Living Arts (SALA) festival. The works will be on public display every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. throughout the month. Furthermore, art enthusiasts worldwide will have the exclusive opportunity to acquire these artistic masterpieces through an online auction, with most proceeds channelled towards charities chosen by the artists themselves.
Mali Isabel
“The narrative of Australia’s expansive, varied landscapes is eloquently told by The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern, and it’s exhilarating to witness how these artists have translated this tale,” said David Donald, Executive General Manager, Rail at Journey Beyond. He welcomes art connoisseurs and rail journey fans to immerse themselves in this extraordinary showcase in person or through the virtual auction.
Roscoe Shelton, a revered impressionist artist, paints a vivid image of the rusty red terrain of central Australia, inspired by his journey on The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide. A late bloomer in the art world, Roscoe’s illustrious career and vivid life experiences seep into his work, enticing the viewer to step into the remote reality he beautifully portrays. Proceeds from his work will aid the charitable efforts of Rotary Adelaide, part of a global network of 1.4 million community leaders and problem-solvers.
Luke Rabl
Mali Isabel, an accomplished Arabana and Kokatha artist, presents a vibrant interpretation of her summer journey on the Great Southern from Brisbane to Adelaide. Known for her contemporary dot paintings, Mali leverages every hue in the rainbow to evoke positivity equality, and initiate meaningful dialogues. She has designated The Healing Foundation, a national organisation uplifting the voices and experiences of Stolen Generations survivors, as her charity of choice.
Finally, the multi-talented Luke Rabl uses his versatile artistic prowess to capture the emotional essence of his trip on the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth. From whimsical illustrations to abstract landscapes, his artwork absorbs the colour palettes and textural nuances of the Australian panorama he encountered. His chosen charity is GIVIT, an organisation addressing the needs of vulnerable communities via an innovative online platform.
Sarah Tennant, CEO of GIVIT, expressed gratitude to the participating artists, stating, “The needs of vulnerable people across Australia have more than doubled in the past 12 months on the GIVIT platform. We’re extremely grateful to Luke Rabl, along with Roscoe Shelton and Mali Isabel, for supporting our essential work.”
The Art of Rail exhibition is a unique chance to experience Australia through the lenses of these artists. To view or bid on the artworks by Roscoe, Mali, and Luke, visit the online auction at www.32auctions.com/ArtofRail. The exhibition opens on 1st August and will run till 31st August at Adelaide Parklands Terminal.
Written by: Jason Smith
