Foxtrot Polkadot

Stretching along the pedestrian walkway leading to the Argyle Street Car Park, Foxtrot Polkadot transforms an everyday passage into a playful, story-filled journey. Created in 2019 by Tasmanian artists Tom Samek and Tom O’Hern, the mural was commissioned by the City of Hobart through the Urban Art Walls program.

The mural unfolds as a lively procession of whimsical, anthropomorphic characters – foxes, birds, frogs, skeletal figures and fantastical creatures – all mid-step, mid-dance, or mid-gesture. They appear to foxtrot, tumble, balance and sway their way along the wall, echoing the movement of people walking through the space. Musical notes, patterned textures and expressive faces give the work a rhythmic, almost animated feel.

A distinctive colour gradient runs the length of the mural, shifting from warm oranges and reds through soft blues into lush greens. This subtle transition mirrors the passage of time and movement, guiding viewers forward as they walk. Below, a repeating band of quirky fish and small cars references both Hobart’s hidden waterways and the modern reality of the car park above.

Beneath its playful surface, Foxtrot Polkadot carries layers of local history. It nods to the rivulet that once flowed beneath the site, the Belvedere Ballroom that formerly stood nearby, and the evolving patterns of daily life in the city. The result is a mural that feels joyful and light-hearted, yet grounded in place.

Designed to be experienced in motion rather than from a single viewpoint, Foxtrot Polkadot invites pedestrians to slow down, notice the details panel by panel, and enjoy a moment of imagination while moving through the heart of Hobart.