West Australian Pulse 2025: Zoe Robinson’s living art work Aldinga maps history, landscape and family

Blending rust, memory, and landscape, Zoe Robinson transformed a Landcruiser bonnet into a striking tribute to family and country, featured in this year’s The West Australian Pulse exhibition. The Methodist Ladies’ College graduate comes from a long line of Australian farmers and her deep connection to the land — shaped by six generations of farming history — shines through in her work, Aldinga. Inspired by the beauty of her family’s farms in Gidgegannup and East Pingelly, Ms Robinson created a living piece of art from a rusting bonnet of a 1977 FJ45 Landcruiser. “I pretty much went out to my grandparents’ farm . . . went to the sheds, and in five minutes, we came back with a 1977 Toyota Landcruiser bonnet that’s the same age as my mother,” Ms Robinson said. “I painted on that and then used acrylic paint, spray paint and a few other mediums as well.” Ms Robinson’s piece maps her family history, Australian bushland, and the concept of transformation. As the rust of the bonnet grows, the painting alters, creating an evolving work. The use of organic forms and mechanical structures represents the resilience and fragility of nature and the impact of human presence. When viewing her work, Ms Robinson hopes people will find a sense of connection to the land and family history. “I hope they find some sort of personal connection or can relate to it. But it’s always offered different interpretations because art is really just what people take away themselves,” she said. Ms Robinson — who now studies occupational therapy at Curtin University — said The West Australian Pulse exhibition was important because it gave “unseen artists a space for their art to be shown”. This year’s exhibition is showcasing the work of 61 year 12 visual arts graduates across WA, providing a window into young people’s minds. The free exhibition is open from May 3 until August 31 at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.