Flagstaff Station artwork
About the artwork
Title: ‘Symphony of Country’
Artist: Madi Mercer Wadawurrung
Installed: 2026
Symphony of Country captures the constantly shifting yet harmonious nature of Country that surrounds us, speaking to the everyday movement and migration of people, animals and Country itself and to the ways Country changes over time. This movement plays out in large shifts, like the changing of the seasons, and in quiet, often unnoticed moments, such as the
colour of a gum leaf transforming after it has left the tree. The work brings native birds, animals and plant life from Flagstaff Gardens to life, inviting commuters to pause, pay attention and reconnect with the rhythm of Country as they move through the station.
The aim of these works is to create an opportunity for stillness in this ever-changing symphony – to highlight the importance of stopping, paying attention to the movement occurring around us, and moving in time with it again. It is an invitation to understand our inexplicable involvement in nature, and to positively participate in its relationships again. These works highlight the continuing strength and beauty of Country, whilst also paying homage to some of the natural relationships, cycles, living things and places that have been lost, or detrimentally affected due to human disconnection. It is more important than ever to take the time and space to relearn and reconnect to our true calling as members of this natural ensemble.
Artwork location
The artwork has been installed in three locations at Flagstaff Station
The artwork has been installed to help revitalise Flagstaff Station, one of our older stations, and create a more welcoming environment for passengers. By working closely with local artists, we are showcasing artwork that reflects the rich heritage and culture of the local area.
About the artist
Madi Mercer Ghostgum
Madi Mercer (otherwise known as Ghostgum) is a proud Wadawurrung person living and creating in Naarm.
Madi grew up on Boonwurrung, Wurundjeri, Wiradjuri, Gadigal and Wadawurrung Countries; both with family and living away from them. This deeply influenced her appreciation of all Sovereign Countries, but more specifically highlighted the feeling of ‘home’ when family moved to live back on Country for the first time, in almost 6 generations.
Madi’s artistic practice stems from her Cultural identity, connection to self, family, Country and Ancestors. Madi’s works aim to highlight the importance of acknowledging and respecting the beauty, history, and Cultural significance of all levels of Blak Country, expressed within the multi-disciplinary outputs and materials she explores. This expression materialises through her weaving, murals, glass creations, digital artwork, Cultural graphic design, sculpture and textile work.
Madi’s stylistic elements involve layered, fluid line work, as well as bold colours that are directly inspired by Country, and her lived experiences. Her artistic aim is to pay homage to the land, skies and waterways, and allow people to connect to the beauty of Sovereign Country – the realms that we exist within.
Instagram: @_ghostgum
About Little Rocket
Little Rocket is a First Nations owned and operated Creative agency based in Narrm, Melbourne. As one of Australia’s largest and most experienced First Nations creative organisations, it aims to deliver quality, culturally informed works in conjunction with a network of talented First Nations artists.
It has a dedicated in-house Art Manager that provides extensive expertise and opportunities for First Nations artists in spaces that have previously been unattainable. With a values based foundation focused on delivering creative and strategic solutions that honour Country, Culture and Community, Little Rocket provides clients with industry best practice engagement.
It has been a wonderful collaboration between Little Rocket with Madi and Metro Trains to deliver an amazing project from concept through to installation. We continue to work with partners and Community to explore and amplify story telling from our First Peoples.
