Design practice Tilt Industrial Design has completed the installation of an innovative 3D mural in Perth that celebrates Indigenous culture and the native Kulbardi (magpie).

Commissioned by the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia, ‘Kulbardi Season’ transforms the centre’s facade into a dynamic canvas. 

The project is the result of a collaboration between artists Chris Nixon, Kamsani Bin Salleh, Luke Davey and Tilt, which led the project team to bring the artists’ vision to life. The public art opportunity was facilitated by art consultants Artify. 

Kulbardi symbolism

The Kulbardi was chosen as the artwork’s theme for its symbolism of refuge, protection and vitality. 

Featuring metallic 3D feathers extending from the facade, the work is adorned with various material finishes and colours. The feathers capture the sunlight, creating an interplay of light and shadow that changes over the course of the day. Indigenous sand-marking designs and floral elements, arranged in a constellation, symbolise the connection of communities through the skies and stars. 

Nixon says the artwork’s significance stems from its “transient site”. 

“With trains, footpaths, and cars passing by, we envisioned a dynamic artwork that changes with each viewing,” he says. 

“Collaborating with Tilt, we created sculptural forms that shift in appearance, depending on the light and the angle they are viewed from. Our hope is that ‘Kulbardi Season’ inspires passersby to pause and consider how we are all connected through the land, the stars, and our shared duty to care for our Country.” 

The nuts and bolts of public art installations

Kulbardi Season is the latest in a string of similar collaborations for Tilt, which has directed its technical prowess – usually applied to retractable rooftop systems and other forms of “kinetic architecture” that allow buildings to move and function – towards realising public artworks across Australia. Half of these projects feature First Nations contributions.

For Kulbardi Season, Tilt was involved from the initial consultation through to installation, encompassing detailed design, fabrication and project management. 

Reimagining ancient stories with modern materials and techniques, Tilt harnessed its expertise in advanced manufacturing to ensure the 3D elements were visually striking, structurally sound and capable of withstanding Perth’s climate. 

“Kulbardi Season’ is a testament to the power of collaborative design and cultural storytelling,” says Tilt’s creative and managing director Tim Phillips.

Photography by LP Visuals.

Read more about Tilt’s public art portfolio.