The Often-Forgotten River

Leanne Bray

Title: The Often-Forgotten River

Artist/s: Leanne Bray

Year: 2025

Category: Integrated

Site: Midland Station

Location Details: Lift core walls, northern and southern station entries.

Medium: Sandblasted concrete finish

Artist/s Statement:
The Helena River is highly significant to the Whadjuk and Ballardong people, who have occupied its banks and floodplain for many thousands of years.
Its pathway through and out of the hills has been shaping the very landscape and lives of both the Noongar and the settlers who lived on its banks. From ancient times to recent agriculture, housing and industry, the river represents a continuing path trod by many.

The design is focused on a repeated section of the river near the artist’s home and is reflective of the layered history in the area. The ancient flow of the river becomes the pattern foundation. Crossing the old farms, offering walkways for cattle and sheep going to the market at the Old Sales Yards. It’s a windy, wonderful waterway that offers a dynamic design base, becoming the conduit to represent local community storytelling.

Leanne Bray is a multidisciplinary visual artist and designer based in Perth. Leanne’s work reflects her innate passion for texture, repetition and rich patterning with complex layers of colour and texture.