Garret Monahan from Garlic Designs shares an insight into his creative process and the inspiration for his new public mural In Battersea.
I recently had the opportunity to create a mural for Future First Wandsworth, a service dedicated to supporting care-experienced young people. This was an incredibly rewarding project, aimed at transforming the space into something vibrant and uplifting for those who use it.
I wanted this mural to bring energy, identity, and positivity to the space - something vibrant and meaningful for the young people who use it every day.
The design takes inspiration from Caribbean flags and African textile patterns, reflecting the cultural backgrounds of many young care-leavers. Bold colours and energetic patterns were key to creating an environment that feels welcoming, inspiring, and full of life. I wanted to ensure that the mural not only brightened up the space but also carried a sense of identity and cultural pride. The combination of deep greens, radiant yellows, rich reds, and bold blues helps create a visual language that is both celebratory and affirming.
I met with some of the young people within the service before I began the process to get some of insights on what they would like included in the mural. Many ideas were discussed but when I asked ‘What are you most proud about living in and being from London’ I was inspired by the response that it was the iconic London Landmarks like Big Ben, St Pauls and The London Eye. This was a big part in inspiring the final design for the mural and you can see those landmarks intertwined with bright, vibrant colours with the hope of that would brightening up Falcon Road Bridge and paying homage to the various ethnicities and cultural backgrounds of the people that live in the area.
From initial sketches to the final brushstrokes, I focused on ensuring the mural felt dynamic and meaningful. I wanted it to be more than just decoration - it had to resonate with those who would see it every day. Throughout the process, I worked closely with the Future First Wandsworth team to align the design with the spirit of the space. Incorporating a balance of abstract patterns and recognizable cultural elements was important in making the artwork engaging without being overwhelming. The creative journey involved layering colours, experimenting with texture, and ensuring that every section of the mural contributed to an overall feeling of movement and vibrancy.
A significant aspect of this project was considering how the mural would interact with the everyday life of the space. I aimed for something immersive - where young people walking past or sitting nearby could feel a sense of joy and connection. Public art should always be an experience, not just a background feature, and that was at the heart of my approach to this piece.
Public art has the power to transform environments, and I hope this mural does just that. By incorporating bright, culturally significant elements, the goal was to bring a sense of pride, belonging, and positivity to the space. The feedback so far has been incredibly encouraging, with many people expressing how the colours and patterns bring warmth and energy to the room. Seeing the mural become a talking point and source of inspiration for young people has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of the project.
It was an absolute privilege to be a part of this project, and I’m grateful to have contributed to an organization making such a difference in young people's lives. I hope this mural continues to serve as a beacon of positivity, creativity, and cultural celebration for years to come.
Future First are a social mobility charity on a mission for every UK state school and college to be supported by a thriving and engaged community of alumni and relatable role models.
The Falcon Bridge Renewal Project continues
If you’re interested in being part of the conversation, the team will be running a series of workshops and activities related to the bridge’s design, where you can get involved. For more information and to have your say, visit the website to register your interest.
About Garlic Designs
I am a self-taught artist from Dublin, Ireland and have nurtured a passion for art since a young age. My work has gained recognition around Dublin, particularly through projects with Dublin Canvas and iconic murals of figures like Ronnie Drew, Father Jack, and Roger Casement. Heavily influenced by street art, my creations predominantly feature black and white tones, accented with bold strokes and splashes of colour. I continually seek to improve and explore new styles and techniques, often drawing inspiration from my long-standing passion for sports and music. I moved to Tooting in 2022, and with such a vibrant arts community here, I am hoping this is the perfect place to continue to progress and develop my skills as a mural artist.
You can find out more about Garret's work on his website here, and follow on Instagram @garlicdesigns