Journey of a Smoking Ceremony

Journey of a Smoking Ceremony is a striking new large-scale public art installation on Docklands’ Harbour Esplanade, transforming one of Melbourne's modern waterfront precincts into an open-air art gallery.

Created by Melbourne Aboriginal photographer and visual storyteller James Henry, the photographic series features Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson alongside his son Damien, following their path from gathering leaves, to lighting the fire, to sharing the smoke.

The artwork honours the deep cultural significance of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people and their ongoing connection to Country, and is an invitation to learn, connect and appreciate Wurundjeri Country and First Nations culture.

Commissioned for Docklands – a modern landscape built on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people – the project has been developed with the support of local stakeholders, including the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.