MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY
Home » News » Poetry through painting in Ballan

Poetry through painting in Ballan

An outdoor exhibition in Ballan will present “poetry through images,” with colourful artworks inspired by daily observations.

Presented at Moorabool’s outdoor gallery space MAPP Up in Lights in Ballan, ‘The Poetry of Life’ by artist Min Chiang will present works that depict interactions between people, animals, nature, and even with oneself.

Chiang said the exhibition was inspired by her daily observations.

“I wanted to turn ordinary moments into poetic visual stories … these scenes may look simple, but they hold deep emotional connections,” Chiang said.

“I use bold blocks of colour to create atmosphere, and layered lines to express emotions and the feeling of being intertwined – just like how we naturally show different emotions when we’re with different people.

“For me, it’s like writing poetry through images. Each of us is creating our own life poem through relationships with others and with nature.”

Chiang enjoys exploring a wide range of materials and techniques and has worked with oil, watercolour, acrylic, ink, cotton, linen, wood, stone, paper, ceramics, printmaking, and more.

“Each material brings its own energy, and I love discovering how different forms can shape the way an idea is expressed,” Chiang said.

“For me, the most important part of making art is keeping an open mind. The medium is simply a tool – what matters is using it to communicate something authentic.

“What I enjoy most about art is the freedom it gives me. Since English isn’t my first language, expressing complex ideas through words can sometimes be limiting. But with art, I can connect with people across languages and cultures.”

To Chiang art is a natural way to respond to life and express thoughts and emotions.

“When I started this series, I really wanted to explore the small but meaningful interactions we have with the world around us.”

Chiang’s works will be exhibited at MAPP Up in Lights Ballan at AA McLean Reserve, Fisken Street, Ballan, from July 31 until August 31.

Digital Editions


  • Rams to go again

    Rams to go again

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 532910 Newport Rams are hoping to be better for the run after a nervous start to the Baseball Victoria…

More News

  • Women’s history centre stage

    Women’s history centre stage

    A special one-off theatrical performance is coming to the Kyneton Town Hall in celebration of International Women’s Day. In 2026, the theme for International Women’s Day is #BalanceTheScales – a…

  • Australia Post ramps up the horse-power for Lunar New Year

    Australia Post ramps up the horse-power for Lunar New Year

    Australia Post is celebrating the Year of the Horse with the release of its Lunar New Year stamp as well as its first ever ‘DigiStamp’. The traditional Lunar New Year…

  • New treatment options for anaphylaxis

    New treatment options for anaphylaxis

    Two new emergency treatment options are set to become available in Victorian schools to support students at risk of anaphylaxis. Education Minister Ben Carroll announced the two new services will…

  • More cameras coming to Victoria’s roads

    More cameras coming to Victoria’s roads

    The state government will roll out 35 new fixed cameras, two point-to-point networks and tougher seatbelt and distracted-driving enforcement as part of its Road Safety Action Plan. The state government…

  • Crack down on dodgy drivers

    Crack down on dodgy drivers

    New reforms are being introduced to protect Victorian taxi or ride-share passengers from being ripped off. The reforms, which come into effect on Sunday 1 March, will make it easier…

  • Police appeal for information on the disappearance of Brendan Breen

    Police appeal for information on the disappearance of Brendan Breen

    Police are appealing for information as part of their investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Brendan Breen 14 years ago. The then 55-year-old was last seen in Melbourne on 12…

  • Imperials through

    Imperials through

    Williamstown Imperials will be looking to cause an upset in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association group A T20 grand final. The Imperials, the only non-senior division side left in the…

  • From the archives

    From the archives

    Star Weekly looks back on the pages of our predecessors. 40 years ago 26 February, 1986 Williamstown will not get its promised $1.2 million boat launching ramp. 30 years ago…

  • Doctor design

    Doctor design

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 535233 Like dozens of his colleagues, Western Health anaesthetist Dr David Bramley was enjoying the spacious and modern surroundings of the new Footscray Hospital…

  • Volunteer hails new hospital

    Volunteer hails new hospital

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 535233 The new Footscray Hospital is much bigger, more modern, offers many more services and is much more conveniently located than its predecessor. But…