Dabana

Date

Fri 2 – Sat 10 May

Venue

SIGNAL
Les Erdi Plaza, Melbourne VIC 3000

Dabana is an immersive, interactive art exhibit and curatorial takeover by Iluka Sax-Williams.
Visual Art
Workshop
Youth
Free
World Premiere

Dabana is an immersive art exhibition and curatorial takeover by Iluka Sax-Williams.

Iluka Sax-Williams is taking over the SIGNAL building, presenting his highly anticipated art exhibition, 'Dabana' meaning to “to fill up” or “pour in” in the Taungurung language.

Sax-Williams invites viewers to immerse themselves in a dynamic exploration of identity and place as a young Indigenous person. Reflecting on his Narrm upbringing, Sax-Williams offers a unique perspective shaped by both the urban environment and his deep connection to his ancestral roots. In Dabana, the artist reflects on how these two worlds—modern city life and traditional practices—intersect and inform his sense of self.

Performance Details

Venue

SIGNAL

Les Erdi Plaza, Melbourne VIC 3000


Dates & Times

Fri 2 – Sat 10 May Exhibition hours: Wed to Sat 1pm-5pm   Possum Skin Pyrography Workshops (for First Nations people 14 – 25 years) Sat 3 May & Sat 10 May 11am–4pm   Youth Gathering (Open to all) Fri 2 May 4pm–8pm


Tickets

Exhibition Free, no booking required Possum Skin Pyrography Free (for First Nations people 14 – 25 years), booking required via SIGNAL. Sign up available from Fri 11 April. Youth Gathering Free, no booking required TICKETING & ACCESSIBILITY ENQUIRIES Venue Phone: (03) 9658 7808 Venue Email: signal@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Photography

Artist Information

Lead Artist

Iluka Sax-Williams (he/him), Taungurung/Tibrean


Imagery

Joshua Scott


Artist Bio

Iluka Sax-Williams Iluka Sax-Williams (he/him) is a multidisciplinary artist with deep connections to the Taungurung people of the Kulin Nation and the Torres Strait Islands. Based in Narrm (Melbourne), his practice spans visual art, dance, fashion, and design, all shaped by his rich cultural heritage and ancestral ties. Passionate about preserving and sharing Indigenous traditions, Iluka leads community-focused workshops on Possum Skin Cloaks, pyrography, and immersive art experiences. A career highlight includes his pyrography on kangaroo skin, Woora Liwik, which won the RMIT Emerging Artist Award and featured in Rising Melbourne Art Trams 2024. His work has also been showcased at Craft Victoria and Domain House Gallery.

Dabana is a whole-building takeover of SIGNAL. Move freely around the venue's spaces to view and engage with the different artworks. During the possum skin pyrography, participants will be sitting down creating their own art work.

  • Accessible Bathroom

  • Relaxed Event

    Relaxed Event

  • Wheelchair Accessible

    Wheelchair Accessible

Presented by YIRRAMBOI and SIGNAL

Please be advised that animal skin pyrography creates a strong smell.

Partners