With the elevated rail structure nearing completion, the community has begun putting their own stamp on the Byford Rail Extension.
Eight Western Australian and Noongar artists have been chosen to deliver five public artworks as part of the project.
The artists will bring the stations and surrounding areas to life with vibrant artwork inspired by Aboriginal heritage, local culture and the natural environment.
The art will also shaped by input from Aboriginal Elders and the local community.
Armadale Station and the columns and northen ramp of the elevated rail will feature striking artwork by artist team Peregrination – including Mel McVee (Melski), Haylee Fieldes (Fieldey), Amok Island, Seantelle Walsh (Kardy Kreations), and supported by David Sparrow from Lighting Applications.
The collective artwork will feature along the entire length of the elevated rail, with stories of culture woven among images of native local flora and fauna.
At the heart of these pieces will be a stunning mural and lighting installation, helping guide passengers to the station entry.
Seating walls and pavement at the station forecourt will also be adorned with designs by Noongar Yamatji Artist, Dellas Bennell.
With community input a key part of the creative process, artist George Domahidy worked closely with Armadale Senior High School specialist art students to create designs for two vibrant murals and pavement art for the southern end of the elevated rail. The designs are inspired by George’s understanding of Armadale’s natural and architectural elements and its unique character and identity.
As a part of the artwork development, George Domahidy worked with the students over three interactive workshops. The students explored printmaking techniques and developed designs to be incorporated into the murals and shared path art, which they transformed into prints. Selected student artworks are included in the final mural designs and have been adapted into stencils for the sandblasted pavement art.
At Byford (Beenyup) Station, Bibbulmun Nyoongar artist Nigel Chadd’s designs will be integrated into the pavement, creating story points throughout the station forecourt.
The creative concepts will showcase Byford’s character, history, land and culture, and help create a sense of pride and place through the themes of connection and the interdependence of local flora and fauna.
Community input will also be a key focus at the Larsen Road pedestrian bridge, as artist Sioux Tempestt works with Marri Grove Primary School students to paint two large murals. Sioux’s concepts are inspired by Byford’s history and community spirit and will weave local stories into vibrant visuals on the bridge’s retaining walls.
