Featured on the building of 2 Sharp Street facing Baggot Drive, Hoppers Crossing, is the mural titled Retro Future Feline. This project is led by Mike Maka, and the mural is painted by Maka and Tayla Broekman, with assistance from local artist Justin Enrico Legaspi.
Lead artist Mike Maka facilitated two engagement workshops with the Paradox Amplify Crew, sparking conversations around futurism and retrofuturism, in a sense of imagination, fear and hope. Some ideas and themes explored during these sessions have been creatively incorporated into the mural’s concept design. Amplify is a program for young people aged 12–25 in Wyndham who plan and run all-ages live music and cultural events for their communities.
“The ideal future as perceived by the group included themes of sustainability, locally grown food sources, free renewable energy, and a positive future to be welcomed. The cat character is an avatar for one’s personal journey in this retro-themed future. The rubber ducks are an homage to recent events organised by Paradox Amplify Crew. There are some local references to the Werribee Yulluk (River), the local Tigers football club, the Werribee Blue Box eucalyptus trees, and the dog and bird statue on Watton Street,” Mike Maka stated.
Wyndham-based emerging artist Justin Enrico Legaspi participated in the project through a mentorship opportunity. Justin attended introductory public art information sessions led by Maka and assisted with painting onsite over the course of mural delivery. Reflecting on this, Justin shared:
“The mural mentorship was a really fun and informative experience. I got to visit Maka’s studio and some other artists’ spaces, which gave me a better idea of what it’s like to be a full-time artist. He shared a lot about the economics of it and gave helpful advice on working with clients. I also got to talk to curators and muralists and learn more about their different practices and the local mural arts scene.
During the mural installation, Maka and Tayla taught me how to work at a large scale, including wall design transfer, and using roller and spray paint. They also taught me the safety documents needed before starting. Overall, I learned a lot and am really happy I got to be part of it!”
The mural was delivered as part of Wyndham’s Public Art Plan 2022-32 in collaboration with Wyndham’s Placemaking and Activation and Youth Services teams.
Image caption: Mike Maka, Retro Future Feline, 2026. Photographed by Matto Lucas.
Retro Future Feline Gallery
