Tilt Industrial Design has completed a public art installation, titled ‘Kulbardi Season’, at the Perth Transport Operations Control Centre.
Renowned for their collaborative approach and technical expertise, Tilt, an award-winning design practice, led the project team to bring the artists’ creative visions to life. Commissioned by the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia, the artwork — an innovative 3D mural — transforms the centre’s facade into a dynamic canvas celebrating Indigenous culture and the native Kulbardi (Magpie).
The project is the result of a collaboration between artists Chris Nixon, Kamsali Bin Salleh, Luke Davey, and Tilt. The public art opportunity was facilitated by art consultants Artify. Tim Phillips, Creative & Managing Director of Tilt, commented, “Kulbardi Season’ is a testament to the power of collaborative design and cultural storytelling.
Our team worked closely with the artists to realise their vision, creating a connection to nature and bringing First Nations stories to life.” 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, it 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. Artist Chris Nixon elaborated on the artwork’s significance, “A transient site — with trains, footpaths, and cars passing by, we envisioned a dynamic artwork that changes with each viewing.
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.”
Tilt was involved from the initial consultation through to installation, encompassing detailed design, fabrication, and project management. This comprehensive approach ensured a seamless integration of art and architecture, and facilitated the artists to create a visually striking and culturally significant landmark for Perth.
Reimagining ancient stories with modern materials and techniques, Tilt harnessed their expertise in advanced manufacturing and modern materials, to ensure that the 3D elements were both visually striking and structurally sound — capable of withstanding Perth’s climate. With a shared commitment to community engagement and cultural representation in public art and the urban landscape, the project team have delivered an installation that connects the building, community and precinct to the landscape through First Nations symbolism.
‘Kulbardi Season’ is the latest project in Tilt’s growing public art portfolio across Australia. Supporting artists to deliver a range of public art briefs, exploring various mediums, Tilt remains tilt-industrialdesign.com committed to delivering innovative, functional and design-driven outcomes that enhance the built environment.
