The artist behind the painting, Laura Wills, said the work explores the interconnectedness of Earth and space and asks observers to reflect on our place in the universe.
“It depicts a South Australian satellite tracking a celestial platypus as it swims through the galaxy of our consciousness, a symbol connecting us to both past and future,” she said.
In total, the mural covers 160 square metres and is situated on the northern aspect of the McEwin Building, which the agency moved into in February 2020.
Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency, said, “We know art is one of the many ways we can capture the attention of people who otherwise may overlook space and STEM – and help highlight the benefits of it to nearly every part of our lives.
“This striking mural will stop people in their tracks and draw them into our Australian Space Discovery Centre where we can inspire our next generation about how they can contribute to a brighter Australia – no matter what their interests or skills.”
The piece, named Shy Sky, was selected by the Space Agency through a “competitive process”, with Wills’ artistic practice spanning drawing, installation, projected light drawing for live performances and pastel and digital drawing into maps.
She has also worked with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the Adelaide Botanic Garden, and the State Herbarium of South Australia.
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The mural joins a growing number of public artworks for Lot Fourteen, which include One: All That We Can See and Beware Swooping Birds, and is part of the rollout of the innovation district’s Arts and Cultures Plan.
Lot Fourteen, meanwhile, is also home to space organisations such as SmartSat, Southern Launch and Space Machines Company as well as the Australian Space Discovery Centre.
Adam Thorn
Adam is a journalist who has worked for more than 40 prestigious media brands in the UK and Australia. Since 2005, his varied career has included stints as a reporter, copy editor, feature writer and editor for publications as diverse as Fleet Street newspaper The Sunday Times, fashion bible Jones, media and marketing website Mumbrella as well as lifestyle magazines such as GQ, Woman’s Weekly, Men’s Health and Loaded. He joined Momentum Media in early 2020 and currently writes for Australian Aviation and World of Aviation.
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