Art, Science and Experience at Woodland Reserve

Mural Nomad, the artist behind the Tractor Museum of WA's beautiful big agricultural artwork, recently completed a wrap-around piece at the Woodland Reserve Interpretive Centre.

Combining art, science and experience, the Interpretive Centre mural was designed to complement our popular Nocturnal Woylie Walk tours.

The mural features a vivid sunset scene – a signature feature of Mural Nomad’s work – that incorporates many of the Park’s nocturnal, crepuscular* and diurnal wildlife.

How does the science come into play?

You may have heard that some animals glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. Maybe you read about fluorescent mammals in The Conversation, or saw our own post last summer about our disco-loving scorpions? It is this hidden feature that inspired Mural Nomad’s PJ when developing the concept for this double mural.

“I was inspired by the remarkable ways some animals interact with light: certain species can see ultraviolet (UV) light, while others, like scorpions, possums, bats, echidnas, owls, and even the feathers of a red-tailed black cockatoo, emit a luminous glow under UV light.”

Using UV-reactive paints in the design, she was able to reveal a world often unseen by the human eye: the beauty of our native wildlife under black light.

L-R: A marbled scorpion under black light in Woodland Reserve; a scarlet robin on the north-facing wall of the interpretive centre.

Visual appeal

During the day, visitors can enjoy the vibrant artwork that was designed to remind us all of the extraordinary beauty found in nature. There are 20 different species featured in the mural, making for an interactive experience to not only spot them all, but also identify each of the various animals dotted throughout the building’s three bushland scenes.

We asked PJ what she loved most about creating this piece: “Through this mural, I aim to not only celebrate the local flora and fauna but also create a joyful, inspiring space that fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and its wonders.”

She also reflected on how murals have a special ability to bridge the gap between people and the environment, something she was extremely proud of being to contribute to.

An immersive experience

While stunning during the day, it is those who join us for one of our guided tours of Woodland Reserve who’ll get the best experience of this latest mural in Whiteman Park.

Not only will they see the mural in the soft afternoon light, just before the sun sets over our banksia woodlands, but at the end of their tour, the mural transforms under black light and visitors can see some of the species which glow under black light!

See if you can spot each of the species listed across the three walls of the mural when you visit.

Greater impact

Mural Nomad have not only been painting murals though. The Woodland Reserve Interpretive Centre mural marks the 86^th piece in the 100 Mural Project, a personal challenge and artistic project undertaken by Patrycja and her partner, Ben, as they travel Australia transforming spaces like ours.

The project has also helped to increase awareness about mental health and the benefits of art and its connection with nature. Amidst the nomadic lifestyle, they have discovered a unique and truly special way to learn about the country and connect with its people, flora and fauna while raising funds for the Black Dog Institute.

Mural Nomad also completed this agricultural-themed mural for the Tractor Museum in 2023.