Megafauna Central is commissioning renowned artist Peter Schouten AM FRSN to create a large mural showcasing iconic species from the Late Miocene Alcoota fossil assemblage in our main gallery. In combination with this, Peter will join Senior Curator of Earth Sciences (and fellow palaeo-artist) Dr Adam Yates to discuss palaeo-art. These two experts will share the methods they use to put flesh, fur, skin and scales on long-extinct creatures and re-imagine their environments. They will share how research impacts depictions, and what limitations there are in reconstructing the past.

During the event, we will also be unveiling Peter’s Alcoota mural. This will enable the event to publicise this addition to the gallery and invite those who have visited during the residency to see the final work. This will also enable Peter and Adam to talk directly to the work and discuss the process and challenges met in its creation.