Kings Park’s iconic lookout transformed by new artwork
A new, temporary mural has been unveiled at Kings Park’s Kaarta Gar-up lookout, transforming the iconic Perth location and tourist hotspot.
Created by local artist Kamsani (Kam) Bin-Salleh, the contemporary Aboriginal artwork was commissioned to mark the beginning of 60th anniversary celebrations for the Western Australian Botanic Garden, which reaches this milestone in 2025.
Kam is a Boorloo (Perth) based Ballardong Noongar artist, with connections to the Nimunburr and Yawuru people of the Kimberley. A public artist notable for several high profile works across Boorloo inspired by Western Australian flora and fauna, Kam was also awarded WA’s Young Person of the Year in 2018.
Kam worked with Kings Park botanists and horticulturists while concepting the artwork, landing on a design primarily inspired by Eucalyptus trees.
“WA is home to hundreds of eucalypt species,” he said.
“It was very hard to pick one species to champion the area, so I tried to reflect the tree canopies, as well as including some macro examples of the leaves that fall.”
The Eucalyptus blossoms depicted in the artwork are arranged to resemble the Southern Cross constellation, accompanied by the two pointer stars which point south. The arrangement, emblematic of the stars in the southern hemisphere skies, creates a navigational tool, symbolising how Eucalypts and other plants were used as tools by the Noongar people.
The white lines flowing through the artwork represent the traditional practice of using Eucalyptus smoke to welcome, and cleanse the mind, body and spirit.
The botanical-inspired design is complemented by Noongar words “Kaya” (Hello) and “Wanju” (Welcome) in the artwork, welcoming locals and visitors alike to this popular attraction and city viewpoint.
The ephemeral artwork is intended to be temporary, so visitors and public art enthusiasts are encouraged to witness the artwork while it lasts.
Funding for the art project was provided by Tourism WA’s Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan. Other similar projects funded through the Jina Plan 2021-2025 include the painting of the gangway at Fremantle Ports by Whadjuk, Ballardong, Arrernte artist Jade Dolman and a mural at Broome Airport by Yawuru-Karrajarri artist Martha Lee.
See more of the artwork on our YouTube channel.
