Bringing Nature Indoors: Jana Koelmel Photowall Installation at Prolab
At Prolab, we’re always looking for ways to showcase the creative possibilities of large-format printing beyond traditional framed artwork. One of our favourite examples is the stunning custom photowall installation created in collaboration with Brisbane-based artist and photographer Jana Koelmel.
Transforming a Workspace with Photography
Located within our Kelvin Grove showroom, this feature wall demonstrates how a single photographic image can completely transform an interior environment. Jana selected a striking image of intertwining rainforest roots and tree trunks, creating a dramatic sense of depth, texture, and atmosphere within the space.
The result is more than just a decorative wall covering. The installation introduces a calming natural element into the showroom, creating a visual connection to the outdoors while adding warmth and character to the workplace.
The dark tonal palette of the photograph contrasts beautifully with the surrounding white walls, while the vertical lines of the forest scene help emphasise the height of the room and create a sense of scale.
The Story Behind the Image
The artwork featured in the photowall is Thick Veil, a photograph of the 500-year-old heritage-listed Yungaburra Curtain Fig Tree in the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland.
Rather than documenting the entire tree, artist and photographer Jana Koelmel chose to focus on the intricate network of roots and trunks that create a dense, almost impenetrable curtain. The resulting image invites viewers to look deeper, revealing new details and textures the longer they spend with it.
In Jana’s words:
“This image of the 500-year-old heritage-listed Yungaburra Curtain Fig tree in the Atherton Tablelands is intriguing to me because it conceals more than it reveals. I was not interested in showing the whole tree so much as recreating the feeling of awe and fascination one senses when standing in front of it. Strangler figs kill their host trees slowly over time. Sometimes in nature, as well as life, for one thing to live, another has to die.”
This sense of mystery and complexity is part of what makes the image so effective at a large scale. The photowall encourages viewers to pause, observe, and discover details that might otherwise go unnoticed, bringing a small piece of the rainforest experience into the built environment.
Large-Format Photowall Production
For this project, Prolab produced the artwork as a custom photowall, carefully printed and installed to ensure seamless alignment across the entire surface. Large-format wall graphics require precise colour management, panel matching, and installation techniques to achieve a professional result, particularly when working with highly detailed photographic imagery.
Whether used in commercial offices, hospitality venues, healthcare environments, educational facilities, galleries, or residential interiors, custom photowalls offer an effective way to transform otherwise ordinary spaces into memorable environments.
Why Choose a Photowall?
Photowalls offer several advantages over conventional wall décor:
- Create an immediate visual impact
- Cover large areas with seamless imagery
- Introduce branding, storytelling, or artwork into a space
- Improve workplace and visitor experience
- Custom-sized to suit virtually any wall
- Available using photography, artwork, graphics, or branded designs
For businesses looking to create a unique atmosphere, a professionally produced photowall can often deliver a greater impact than multiple smaller artworks.
Collaborating with Local Artists
We were delighted to work with Jana on this installation and showcase her photography within our showroom environment. Jana’s work explores landscape, nature, and place, making it perfectly suited to large-scale architectural applications such as this project.
To view more of Jana’s photography and artistic practice, visit her portfolio at Jana Koelmel Portfolio.
See the Project
You can view Prolab’s Instagram post featuring the completed installation here:
Prolab Instagram Post – Jana Koelmel Photowall
Looking to Create a Custom Photowall?
Prolab specialises in custom wall graphics, photowalls, large-format photographic printing, exhibition graphics, and commercial interior artwork. Whether you’re working with your own photography, commissioned artwork, or branded graphics, our team can help bring your vision to life from file preparation through to production and installation.
Contact Prolab to discuss your next photowall project and discover how large-scale imagery can transform your space.
