New murals look out over Govan

Two eye-catching murals have been unveiled in Govan as part of a programme of community-led street art.

The works by internationally-acclaimed artists Jay Kaes and Gera1 are the latest additions to Yardworks GRID, a growing open-air gallery in Glasgow’s Riverside Innovation District.

The bold, colourful murals are positioned along key commuter routes near the Clyde Tunnel and will be seen by thousands of people every day.

Yardworks GRID is an ambitious three-year programme delivered by multi-arts venue SWG3 in partnership with GRID’s anchor institute, the University of Glasgow, and funded by the Glasgow Community and Place Fund and Creative Scotland.

Vibrant

The initiative aims to establish an open-air street arts district within the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, creating a vibrant, culturally-rich environment accessible to all.

• Image: Jay Kaes' work looks out from a gable end in Govan. Photo credit: Devon Poole

Commissioned by SWG3 in partnership with Linthouse Housing Association and local community groups, and supported by the Glasgow Community and Place Fund and Creative Scotland, the new murals were chosen via an open call.

A panel of local residents selected the final artworks, ensuring the creative vision reflected the community’s voice from the start, with collaboration central to the entire process.

Workshops and consultations with groups including Maslow’s Community, Gilded Lily, Linthouse Housing Association and residents helped shape the final designs, weaving in stories of heritage, resilience and hope for the future.

Jay Kaes’ mural centres on a forward-facing red-haired woman, layered with glitch-like effects that reflect complexity and resilience.

These new murals reflect what Yardworks GRID is all about: working closely with communities to create meaningful public art that speaks to local identity.

Gary Mackay

Drawing on conversations with local residents, the artwork blends heritage with symbolism: a Scottish flag, Elder Clan tartan, and shipyard structures sit alongside a glowing sun and blooming snowdrop - symbols of strength, identity and new beginnings.

Jay, who is based in the UK and Spain, said: “It has been a privilege to listen to the voices of the Govan and Linthouse community, witnessing their deep respect for history and their commitment to future generations.

“This project has been a profound learning experience, and I am honoured to translate their spirit, stories, and shared våision into a mural that will stand as a tribute to their strength and unity.”

Inspired by Eric Watt’s 1960 image Girl at Chalk Marked Wall, Gera1 reinterprets a fleeting childhood moment using bold colours and RGB-split effects. His mural celebrates the everyday stories often overlooked, with a playful and defiant message—“Pop out your tongue, not all battles need to be fought wi’ yer hauns!”—capturing the spirit and quiet strength of the Govan community.

• Image: Gera1 and the stunning street art overlooking the Clyde Tunnel. Photo credit: Devon Poole

Gary Mackay, SWG3 Studio Director and Yardworks founder, said: “These new murals reflect what Yardworks GRID is all about: working closely with communities to create meaningful public art that speaks to local identity.

“As we head towards this year’s Yardworks Festival, it’s great to see Yardworks GRID continuing to grow—bringing people together, and turning overlooked spaces into vibrant murals.

Indentities

"We believe public art can and should reflect the identities of those who live alongside it,” said Laura Frood, Creative Placemaking and Social Impact Lead at SWG3.

“These murals are not only visually striking but deeply rooted in place, in story, and in the everyday resilience of this community.”