A seven-metre-tall owl sculpture has come to roost at Perth Station, one of three new artworks installed at the precinct over the last few days.
Called ‘Boobook’, the artwork – created by WA artist Stuart Green – has become an eye-catching centrepiece within the Perth Station forecourt since its installation.
The giant piece is largely made of cast aluminium and symbolises the balance between the natural world, the built environment, poetically highlighting the role of public transport in maintaining that balance.
Also installed within the forecourt were four sculptures created by Noongar artist Sharyn Egan in collaboration with artist Anne Neil.
‘Balga Souvenirs’ celebrates the varied uses of the station site, from the generations of Noongar people who called it home to its more modern operations, including when the Crafts Council of WA occupied part of the site in the 1980s. The aluminium sculptures have been designed to look like decorative souvenirs which were turned from Balga (grass tree timber) in years gone by.
Finally, a new mural ‘Alija Djinda Mia: The Stars Will Guide Us Home’, which was created by Noongar artist Justin Martin and NSW-based artists Susan Milne and Greg Stonehouse, will be installed in the underpass between Perth Station and Perth Underground in the coming weeks.
The piece shows the relationship between the rail network and the constellations, and how people have used both to guide them on their travels. It also highlights how Noongar culture and spirituality could be read in those same stars.
A PTA spokesperson said parts of the mural artwork could now be seen featured on columns throughout Perth Station’s platforms.
“These beautiful pieces will breathe new life into the Perth Station precinct,” he said.
“The artworks are all multi-dimensional – not only do they bring some character and colour to the station precinct, they also tell important stories, celebrate Aboriginal culture, and capture the area’s history.”
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