You're not likely to find butterflies or bowerbirds in the city's alleyways, but if you take a stroll off Flinders Lane, you might find just that.
Budyabudya and budyaan – the Wiradjuri of butterflies/moths and birds – are the latest artworks to adorn Scott Alley’s outdoor exhibition space, installed in July in conjunction with NAIDOC Week.
This work by mixed media artist Vandal covers an alley construction fence with dozens of brightly colored Budiabudia, including the magnificent Emperor Rubber Moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti). When set against a black background, it looks as if it is glowing.
The proud Wiradjuri woman worked closely with the Metro Tunnel Creative Program on the artwork. The program will showcase art by local creators around the Metro Tunnel station construction site, keeping the city vibrant as construction continues.
The artist playfully framed the access door to the Town Hall Station grounds with a rambling bow dotted with clusters of star-like blue devil flowers (Eryngium obinum). In the corner is a satin bowerbird.
“I like to focus on Australia's indigenous flora and fauna in my work,” Vandal says. Boudia Budia, in particular, “seems to be following me” throughout her work and is a “natural fit” for this project.
The intention was to enliven the space while maintaining access for construction workers busy building Town Hall Station behind the walls.
“We had to consider safety signage and lighting,” Vandal said. “We needed to create artwork that would not exceed safety requirements and at the same time draw people to Scott Alley.”
Visitors can enjoy freshly baked banh mi at the adjacent Heart Baker or sip coffee at Ruhr Galette while admiring the artwork.
“People can walk down the alley and, if they wish, stand in front of the chapel and take selfies while being surrounded by colorful bujabudiyas,” Vandal said.
Town Hall is one of five new subway stations opening next year, along with the Metro Tunnel. There are seven entrances running from City Square to Federal Square and in between, one at Scott Alley and the other connecting directly to Flinders Street Station via an underpass. •
