Upstream Mural — Contemporary Mural in Hobart
Upstream is a contemporary mural in Hobart, created in 2024 for Good Grief Studio, Vibrance Project in collaboration with Hobart City Council.
The mural introduces flowing tones of ocean blue and open sky into Hobart’s city centre, offering a moment of visual rhythm and calm within a busy urban environment.
Location: 62 Argyle Street, Good Grief Studio, Hobart, Tasmania
Project Details
Artist: Anna Mykhalchuk
Year: 2024
Type: Contemporary mural
Location: Hobart, Tasmania
Commissioned for: Good Grief Studio, Vibrance Project, Hobart City Council
Project: 5th year Good Grief Studio
Concept & Symbolism
The mural depicts two golden fish, swimming symmetrically toward one another against a sky-and-ocean background.
The fish symbolise life moving both upstream and downstream
Floating bubbles represent interaction and connection
The forms may also be read as seeds carried by water, waiting to take root
Context & Place
When I first encountered this site, I experienced Good Grief Studio as an island of creativity — surrounded by the rapid movement of one of Hobart’s central streets.
This contrast became the starting point for the mural. I wanted to create a work that carried energy without noise, a sense of movement balanced by calm.
A nearby tree also influenced the composition. The mural was designed to sit in dialogue with the natural elements already present, extending the life and rhythm of the street rather than competing with it.
This layered symbolism reflects ideas of change, continuity, and movement — themes that echo both the surrounding street and the creative practice housed within the studio.
A light-hearted local legend followed the completion of the work: making a wish near the fish is said to double its chances of coming true.
Design Challenge & Process
The mural draws on principles from Samchykivka painting, a Ukrainian folk art tradition known for its complex symbolic language and colour harmony.
Traditionally, Samchykivka uses a single background colour. Working with multiple background tones across a large wall became an intentional challenge — one that expanded my approach while staying true to the discipline of the style.
If you’re interested in commissioning a mural or discussing a cultural or public art project, you’re welcome to get in touch.
About the Artist
Anna Mykhalchuk is an Ukrainian-Australian artist and mural artist based in Hobart, Tasmania, working across contemporary murals, public art, and cultural projects that respond carefully to place, story, and environment.
Reflection
Upstream became an exploration of balance — how a mural can bring calm without losing movement. Responding to the fast pace of the surrounding street, I focused on creating a sense of active calmness, allowing the work to sit in harmony with both the built environment and nearby natural elements.
The project also challenged my Samchykivka practice, particularly through working with multiple background tones. This process expanded my understanding of how traditional folk principles can adapt to contemporary public spaces while maintaining their symbolic and visual discipline.