Birds and butterflies bring colour to Scott Alley

A city alleyway is an unlikely location for butterflies and bowerbirds – but take a stroll off Flinders Lane and you might find just that.

budyabudya and budyaan – Wiradjuri for butterflies/moths and birds – is the latest artwork to grace the outdoor exhibition space in Scott Alley, installed in July to coincide with NAIDOC Week.

The work, by mixed-media artist Vandal, covers the alley’s construction fencing with dozens of brightly coloured budyabudya – including the magnificent Emperor Gum Moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti). Set against a black backdrop, they seem almost to glow.

The proud Wiradjuri woman worked closely with the Metro Tunnel Creative Program on the artwork. The program showcases art from local creatives around the Metro Tunnel station construction sites, keeping the city vibrant while construction continues.

The artist has playfully framed the Town Hall Station site access door with a rambling bower, dotted with bunches of star-like Blue Devil flowers (Eryngium ovinum). In the corner is a satin bowerbird.

“I like to focus on Indigenous Australian flora and fauna in my artworks,” Vandal said. In particular, budyabudyas “seem to keep following me” throughout her artworks, making them a “natural fit” for this project.

The intention was to enliven the space while maintaining access for the construction workers who are busy building Town Hall Station behind the wall.

“The safety signage and lighting had to be taken into consideration,” Vandal said. “I had to make an artwork which didn’t overwhelm the safety requirements – and at the same time could attract people down Scott Alley.”

Visitors can snack on a fresh bánh mì from adjacent Heartbaker or sip on a coffee at Roule Galette while admiring the artwork.

“People can come down the alley and stand in front of the bower for a selfie if they want to, surrounded by colourful budyabudyas,” Vandal said.

Town Hall is one of five new underground stations opening with the Metro Tunnel next year. It will have seven entrances, from City Square to Fed Square and in between – including one at Scott Alley, and another connecting directly into Flinders Street Station via an underpass. •