“Wish You Were Here”- Collaborative Mural Project

Facilitated by Fresh Frankston & Frankston City Youth Services / In recognition of RUOK? Day

“Wish You Were Here” is a collaborative mural created in partnership with Fresh Frankston and Frankston City Youth Services, developed in recognition of RUOK? Day- a national initiative that encourgaes meaningful conversations around mental health and wellbeing.

The prject brought together a group of local young people from Frankston’s music scene who temporarily set aside their instruments to explore a new creative outlet through public art. Over the course of several workshops, I mentored the group as they co-designed the mural concept and responded to the theme set by the Youth Services. We worked toogether to explore themes of connection, hope and support.

he mural draws direct inspiration from Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” album cover, using the imagery of two figures meeting as the central motif. The young artists were invited to design visual “adornments” for these characters- badges, patches, tattoos and pins- each infused with messages of hope, snippets of the song itself all subtly diguised within the artwork.

These personal touches were hand-painted by the participants over several days, transforming the mural into a layered and symbolic artwork that resonates with both personal and collective significance. Some references are overt; others more cryptic, inviting viewers to discover their own interpretations and connections.

“Wish You Were Here” stands as a visual tribute to youth resilience, creative collaboration, and the ppower of art to spark dialogue. It also serves as a vibrant and lasting reminder of the importance of checking in with one another- a message deeply aligned with the ethos oof RUOK? Day.

RUOK 2024 Mural

Location: Corner Wells St & Nepean Hwy, Frankston

Medium: Spray Paint and acrylic paint

Dimensions: 60m2 (12mW x 5mH)

Date: August 2024

Client: Frankston Council Youth Services