Images credit: Focused On Photos
Images credit: Focused On PhotosImages courtesy Focused on Photos.
In a fusion of industry and art, TasRail has partnered with local contemporary abstract artist Sam Dobransky to transform the sides of wagons into moving murals that celebrate Tasmania’s natural beauty and creative spirit. The first two wagons are now complete with another two on their way shortly.
TasRail CEO Steven Dietrich is a fan.
“I popped down to the wagon workshop when the first two were in there, and all I will say is WOW,” Mr Dietrich said.
“The level of detail and the message conveyed on each wagon is amazing. This is a fantastic initiative - supporting local talent and creating another connection with the community we serve.”
Based in Nipaluna/Hobart, Mr Dobransky has built a national reputation for his meditative, pattern-driven artwork. His large-scale murals, exhibited across the country since 2010, explore the calming power of repetition - a theme he has developed over two decades. His past clients include everyone from the City of Fremantle to Woolworths and Australia Post, but the TasRail collaboration is unlike anything he’s ever done.
“These wagons are an extension of my ongoing visual language,” Mr Dobransky said.
“My patterns are informed by years of work and a fascination with how repetition connects art to the rhythms of nature. There’s a long history of meditative mark-making in art, and this project continues that tradition, while also giving it a very local context.”
Inspired by Tasmania’s wild and untamed landscapes, the artwork uses subtle abstract compositions with natural textures and earthy tones - muted backgrounds layered with warm blues and greens. The painted patterns suggest the island’s forests, rock formations, water ripples, and vegetation, inviting viewers to stop and reflect as the wagons roll by.
Each wagon took two full days to complete, using approximately 30 litres of paint applied with brushes, rollers, and spray paint.
“We’ve never seen anything like this in our ETJ wagon shop before” Mr Dietrich said.
“It’s a beautiful way to combine industry with inspiration.”
