We've been following the silo art trail across Australia for years now, and I have to say, the seahorse silos here in Albany, Western Australia, are among the most stunning we've encountered. Standing before these massive grain silos transformed into a vibrant canvas, you can't help but feel humbled by the scale and beauty of it all.
The artwork features a magnificent seahorse rendered in traditional Indigenous style, with intricate dotwork and patterns in red, white, and black tones that pop brilliantly against the Western Australian sky. This piece was created by Amok Island, a Perth-based artist collective, working in collaboration with local Menang Noongar elder and artist Norma MacDonald. The project was completed in 2018 as part of the FORM Public Art initiative, which has been instrumental in bringing world-class street art to regional Western Australia.
What makes this particular piece so special is its deep connection to Country. The seahorse holds significant meaning in Menang Noongar culture, and Albany's coastal waters are home to several seahorse species. The traditional patterns and colour palette pay respect to tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal culture in this region, while the contemporary style makes it accessible and striking for all viewers.
Lisa and I spent a good hour here, just taking it all in. The detail work is extraordinary—from ground level, you can still make out the precision of the dotwork, despite the enormous scale. I must have taken fifty photos trying to capture it from every angle. The way the afternoon light plays across those curved silo surfaces brings the artwork to life in constantly changing ways.
These silos stand as a testament to what's possible when contemporary art meets ancient culture, when rural communities embrace creativity, and when talented artists are given the canvas they deserve. If you're travelling through Albany, don't miss this remarkable piece. It's located just off the main road, easy access even with a van in tow.
Just another reminder of why we love this country so much.
