Carlson Reserve in Clayton is now home to a stunning new mural showcasing local flora and fauna.

The mural, which spans a hit-up wall at the reserve’s new multi-purpose courts, was created by Melbourne artist duo Creature Creature (Chanel Tang and Ambrose Rehorek) in collaboration with Monash community members.

Almost 200 community members voted for the mural’s concept design in May 2024. The winning piece, titled ‘Side by Side’, was chosen for its calm and appealing colours, inclusion of local birds and tribute to Clayton’s culturally diverse population.

Painted in Creature Creature’s signature ornamental Asian aesthetic, the mural shows groups of Grey Fantails nestle together, evoking ideas of family, community and connection. Auspicious orange trees and eucalypts blend native Australian and Eastern styles, capturing the harmonious spirit of Clayton's diverse community and drawing from lead artist Chanel Tang’s own Chinese cultural heritage.

The result is a unique visual representation of the stories and values that make Monash such a vibrant place, and a new addition to Monash’s rich collection of public art collection.

Completed Friday 11 July, the mural caps off another successful project at Carlson Reserve, including the new multi-purpose courts, landscaped forecourt and upgraded playground. Works are also on track for the local pavilion upgrade, scheduled to finish later this year.

We invite everyone to come and see the artwork and enjoy Carlson Reserve’s many recreational activities.

For more information visit the public art collection on our Council website.

Community consultation

In May 2024, Monash residents were invited to have their say in which of Creature Creature’s two concept designs they would like to see transform the wall at this bustling reserve.

Nearly 200 people voted, with 107 (55.44%) preferring concept 1, Side by Side, and 86 (44.56%) preferring concept 2, Flutter and Breeze.

Creature Creature took on board the community’s feedback, including some concerns about the potential impact on players’ visibility on the court, and used it to inform the final design.

For the full results, please see the Community Engagement Report.

The final mural concept and the artist's statement of changes can be viewed below.