As the WA bush lights up with the vivid orange blooms of the Australian Christmas tree, an art installation is bringing the Noongar story of the tree to the heart of Perth.
Key points:
- The Moodjar Tree is an art installation in the heart of Perth
- It tells the Noongar story of the Australian Christmas tree
- Noongar families describe a strong cultural connection to the tree
Passed down through generations of Noongar families, the story of the Moodjar tree has been brought to life in Yagan Square as part of the City of Perth's Christmas Lights Trail.
The video installation uses three-dimensional animation to immerse onlookers in the story of the beloved WA tree, which blooms in the Noongar season of Birak.
Also known by its scientific name of Nuytsia floribunda, the tree is a familiar sight in the south-west of Western Australia in the summer months.
Blooms hold spirits of loved ones
Singer-songwriter Phil Walley-Stack, who narrated the story and composed the music for the installation, said he had a strong cultural connection to the tree.
"When we pass away as Noongar people, our spirit goes into that tree throughout the year," Walley-Stack said.
"This time of year, when it blossoms and you see that bright orange flower comes through, it's releasing our spirit."
Walley-Stack said the story of the tree was shared with project organisers by his aunty, Rose Walley.
Beauty of the bush
A three-dimensional kangaroo, lizards, and galahs are among a cast of native animals depicted in the digital telling of the Dreamtime story, told through artworks by Biara Martin and with visual effects by Lux Events.
Martin, an Indigenous artist with a strong bloodline of the Balladong, Binjarep, Widi, Ballaruk and Budimia tribes, has cultural ties to the Moodjar story through her grandmother.
"I find that very special to be able to still connect with her through her stories … it's quite beautiful to see," she said.
"The culture … my grandmother and the art around it, representing the Aboriginal culture in Perth."
Martin said she was pleased to see onlookers stopping to take photos of the display when she visited recently.
"It's something quite mind-blowing … the 3D look about it," she said.
"The pictures are quite vibrant and the way it lights up the whole area, and to have the native animals and plants and just for it to be so alive, and lifelike."
Sharing culture
Walley-Stack, whose eight-year-old daughter Kara helped narrate the story, said it was important to share the cultural significance of the tree.
"To be able to explain to someone without any spiritual connection, without any spiritual belief about this tree … but then also having my daughter a part of it as well, it's very important for us," Walley-Stack said.
"Because when I was a little fella, you never had this technology to pass on your culture and stories … and you always get scared that you're going to lose the stories.
"When you lose the stories, you lose your connection and your family connection to a place."
The Moodjar Tree is on display at Yagan Square from 6pm every night until January 2, 2024.