Federation Square’s creative program commissions many projects throughout the year, this instillation being Batmania.

Located in the Fed Square Atrium, the exhibition showcases 200 bats suspended from the ceiling across the entire space.

Artist Kathy Holowko was inspired by her fascination with the fruit bat to create the individual, hand painted animals and it is clear from passerby reactions that her fascination is shared.

People of all ages initially look slightly fearful when confronted with the usually mysterious animal.

Obviously they are so used to the bats habitat being dark and dingy, a stark contrast to the light, open layout of the Atrium.

However their fear soon turns to wonder as they see the extent of the exhibition and continue to walk through the corridor hardly looking where they are going, their eyes plastered to the ceiling.

I am no different as I photograph the animals. It is amazing to see the intricate detail put into each and every one and I am stunned by how many there actually are above me. While not being afraid of bats, they were not an animal that I was particularly drawn too and would not usually like to see large group of. However this exhibition did thoroughly increase their charm to me as their dark demeanor was challenged and they were brought into my everyday life.

Kathy’s aim has clearly been achieved as she attempts to demonstrate the coexistence of humans and this rarely witnessed wild animal and increase the appeal of bats to the general public.

The exhibition will be running until the 31st of May 2015