In Vein
In Vein is inspired by the flow and connectivity of water. This piece allows viewers to deep dive into their personal relationship with water – the sustenance and life it brings us, the way the ocean makes you feel, the fact our bodies are built on water. It also allows viewers to navigate the universal experience of water – our connection to other lands, shared feelings and living in a harbour city. We live on an island where everything circles back to water and water informs our national identity. Things change and things end, but water will always find its way back to life, rivers and the ocean. It is one of few things that every living being is reliant on and it is the foundation for us all.
Tara Chandra
Chandra’s work is inspired by whimsical worlds she imagines, life, and colour. Born, raised and living on Gadigal land, Chandra is the daughter of 1.5 generation immigrant parents, which has informed the execution of her Whale Tale. As a social media creator in fashion, beauty and makeup, Chandra has over 250k+ followers, and has received funding for her beauty brand for sensitive skin. She explores digital art as a hobby.
Built in 1991 on Gadigal land, subsequently heavily industrialised throughout the 19th Century, the Australian National Maritime Museum is Australia’s museum of the sea. Where cargo ships from across the world docked, and immigrants arrived in thousands to start a new life, this place and this artwork uniquely represent Sydney’s welcoming harbour and all peoples’ shared relationship with the water.
The Australian National Maritime Museum also celebrates the courage and stories of the migrants who have travelled the world to call Australia home. There are more than 10,000 objects in the museum’s collection relating to Australia’s rich immigration history. Its “Welcome Wall” displays the names of 29,957 migrants from more than 200 countries. Unveiled in September 2018, the Wall faces Darling Harbour and Pyrmont Bay, where many thousands of migrants first set foot in Australia.
First Nations Audio Narrative: With thanks to our Indigenous Cultural Advisors, Aunty Jo Selfe and Uncle Graham Toomey, and special contributors who have generously shared important stories of place. Listen to the First Nations Audio Narrative here.
Charity Auction
Love Whale Tales? Want to keep one?
You can! After the Waterfront Whale Tales trail concludes, all 30 sculptures will be offered for purchase at a dedicated art auction at Sydney Maritime Museum, Terrace Room.
The net proceeds from the auction will go to The Kids’ Cancer Project.
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