Laneway Commissions 2011: Urban Doolagahl - Steaphan Paton

The Urban Doolagahl series draws on the traditional legend of the Doolagahl, a devious creature known by Aboriginal people of southeastern Australia to come out at night and steal little children who have wandered from their camps.

While the Doolagahl is a scary and haunting character who screams like a banshee, his story is conveyed to children to protect and stop them wandering into forbidden areas. In a comedic twist, Paton introduces the Doolagahl to the cityscape of Melbourne where he discovers a new way of life, in sharp contrast to his own home of Gippsland. During his time in Melbourne, the Doolagahl's shadowy profile may be discovered in various guises and laneway locations eating, sleeping, hiding and interacting with Melbourne culture. In coming to the big city, Urban Doolagahl initiates a new stage in the relationship between Aboriginal Victoria and contemporary Melbourne culture.

WARNING: The Doolagahl may be known by different names in other Aboriginal communities throughout Australia. The five laneways where this project is located contain representations of the Doolagahl which may cause offense to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Please proceed with caution.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Steaphan Paton was born in Mildura and descends from the Gunai of Gippsland, and Ngarigu/Monero of Far Eastern Victoria and the Alps of NSW. His art practice is largely concerned with the environment and cultural heritage, and includes print, drawing and painting.

For more information visit: http://thatsmelbourne.com.au/placestogo/publicart/lanewaycommissions/pages/la...

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• art
• laneway
• laneways
• Melbourne
• city of Melbourne
• commissions
• 2011
• indigenous