Monash Students’ Art Wall enhances the Caulfield community

The Caulfield Commons at the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve, home of the Rotary Caulfield Community Market has been brightened with a vibrant Art Wall, created by Monash University Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) students; Ching Ching Liang and Richard Monger, who have developed an artwork that serves the community but also reflects some of their own journey as artists.

Ching Ching’s healing journey into storytelling through art

Liang, known professionally as Ching2, is an artist originally from Malaysia, who has had a tumultuous yet inspiring journey toward pursuing a career in fine art. From a young age, Liang was drawn to creating art, despite a lack of support and recognition from her school teachers and rigid cultural expectations. Even with her father’s encouragement to develop herself as an artist, she pursued a career in advertising, finding success as an Art Director. After her father's passing, she decided to shift her focus fully to fine art, quitting her corporate career to follow her heart. She backpacked to South Korea, met artists, and exhibited her work in Malaysia, gaining recognition and an exhibition at the National Art Gallery of Malaysia.

In Australia, Liang’s art blossomed further. Her enrolment at Monash University was transformative and here she found a supportive environment that encouraged her to explore new mediums. Her first lecturer Dr David Egan, told her that she always had a story to tell and so she has embraced storytelling through Fine art.

Her personal experiences, particularly the grief over her father’s death became central to her work, with her art serving as a channel for healing. Throughout her academic journey, Liang received encouragement from her lecturers at Monash, which gave her the confidence to push forward and find inner strength through the process. Today, her work is not only a form of self-expression and emotional healing, but also a means of inspiring connection and hope through intimate storytelling.

Richard’s multi-faceted approach to creative art

Richard Monger discovered his passion for ceramics while working as a chef. His journey into creative art was sparked by an interest in Greek mythology and a pivotal meeting with his future wife, Ching, which set him on a new trajectory. After receiving a pottery wheel from his housemate, he found a passion for pottery. Ching encouraged him to pursue art education and develop himself as an artist.

Richard’s decision to study at Monash University was driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of glass techniques, building on his foundational TAFE studies in ceramic technology. The supportive, diverse community at Monash has played a key role in his artistic development, fostering both personal growth and professional transformation. He credits Monash with helping him refine his artistic voice, teaching him to approach his work with intellectual depth and creative expansion. Monger says “in my first lecture, Professor Brian Martin invited us to consider 13 ways to look at a blackbird, which inspired me to explore many perspectives in my art practice.”

As a sculptor and fine artist, Monger expands his research and experimentation on porcelain and glass fusion with the addition of bioluminescent fungi, drawing on scientific insights from Professor Christopher Thompson at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute.

For aspiring artists, his advice is clear: “stay focused on your foundational skills and embrace the growth and exploration that comes with studying in a dynamic, innovative environment like Monash.”

The Caulfield Commons Mural Project

Liang and Monger’s involvement in the Caulfield Commons Mural project began after they learned about Expression of Interest as part of their studies. Encouraged by Monash staff, they applied to the ‘Caulfield Commons Art Wall’ mural project and were successful.

Nick Martin, Head of Partnerships & Engagement at the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust says “With Monash University Caulfield Campus just a short walk from the Reserve and utilised by many students, the art wall is a great opportunity to celebrate and showcase the skills of Monash students while also bringing some fun and energy to the space”.

Tasked with enhancing the area’s appeal for community activities like markets, birdwatching, and dog-walking, Monger and Liang have designed a vibrant mural that celebrates the local wildlife and history.

Reflecting the local community in the Mural

The mural’s design incorporates elements like a hot air balloon to reflect the sunrise balloons often seen over the Caufield Commons and an overall color palette that harmonizes with the local landscape. Key elements include a giant bird releasing a fish, a dog with a ball representing the nearby dog park, ducks with cupcakes representing the market, and a toy soldier reflecting the area’s historical roots. Watching over all of these characters is a green ‘Mother Nature’ figure that represents the interconnectedness between people, animals, and nature, drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment. All the animals are depicted with their eyes closed to symbolize ‘seeing with the heart’ which is Liang’s signature style. The mural also features the addition of winged animals, a hallmark of Richard’s artistic style. Richard first created his signature winged ‘happy frog’ as “a way of symbolizing our ability to believe in our potential to grow and evolve beyond our perceived limits.” This feature ties the work together, underscoring the idea of unity and transcendence.

Monger and Liang view the mural as a celebration of community, culture, and joy, aiming to inspire viewers across generations, evoke smiles, and spark imagination, particularly in younger audiences. Monger says “We want to acknowledge the community that is there. We painted the mural for them.” Liang says “My art will be the voice that I can help people with,” “It is always communicating that there is hope. This mural is no different.”

Martin says “The Art Wall project is one of hopefully many arts focussed projects that are delivered in what will gradually become the Reserve’s Nature, Arts and Events Precinct. The mural that Richard and Ching2 have created is the first installation and provides a wonderfully fun and vibrant presence.”

The Rotary Caulfield Community Market is held on the first Sunday of every month and opens again on Sunday 2nd of February.