New Geelong mural with neon lights to honour migrant mothers and women
Geelong’s latest street art installation breaks new ground by combining neon lighting with traditional paintwork to honour mothers, migrants and diverse women.
A once-forgotten brick wall in Geelong is being transformed into a tribute to home, heritage and the often-unseen labour of culturally and linguistically diverse women, as Geelong prepares to unveil its newest piece of public art.
Artist Jasmine Miu, professionally known as Jaz Mishap, has been selected for the City of Greater Geelong’s Women in Street Art (WiSA) program – a biennial initiative aimed at elevating the presence of female artists in the city’s public spaces.
The mural, titled Migrant, Mother, Sister, is now taking shape behind the Regent Theatre on Union St, and is set to become a luminous landmark in the heart of central Geelong.
Drawing on her own experience as the daughter of a Hong Kong migrant, Mishap’s design blends paintwork with custom neon and LED lighting.
The artwork will feature phrases in English and stylised Chinese characters, sending a message of recognition to women.
“This work is born from my new journey of motherhood with my daughter, and from the generational care and memories carried by the women in my family,” Mishap said.
“Its layers honour the labour of mothers, migrants and diverse women.
“The neon statements ‘thank you’ and ‘you are seen’ echo the glow of Hong Kong cityscapes as a homage to my heritage,” she said.
“The image of a mother carrying her child over water is a symbol of the quiet strength, responsibility and continuity held by women across generations and place.
“I hope viewers see a piece of their own family stories reflected in it, and that it brings a sense of joy.”
The illuminated elements will not only heighten the mural’s visual impact but also improve safety in what is a frequently used night-time thoroughfare.
The $30,000 project is funded through the city’s public art budget and supported by a local team of mostly female specialists.
Support has also been received from The Hamilton Group, who are currently restoring the Regent Theatre as part of central Geelong’s revitalisation.
Arts and culture, hospitality and live entertainment deputy chair councillor Elise Wilkinson said the Women in Street Art program would transform the local art scene by showcasing the work of local female artists.
“Over the years, we’ve seen incredible murals by women artists spring up all over central Geelong,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“This latest installation will set a very high standard, with a piece that is nothing like I’ve ever seen in public street art before, while also sending a very powerful message about the role of women in shaping the Greater Geelong we know today.”
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Originally published as New Geelong mural with neon lights to honour migrant mothers and women
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