Artist Caryn Koh has reflected on her migration to the UK from Malaysia in a brand new mural in the town centre.

She said the newly unveiled mural located near the Wyvern Theatre was inspired by the feeling of uncertainty she felt during her journey.

The 34-year-old, who now lives in north Swindon, told the Adver: “There was this space and I wanted to paint something there, I couldn’t really put my finger on it.

“Recently I reflected on myself and my journey – coming from Malaysia four years ago, settling in the Lake District for a while and then moving to Swindon three years ago.

“It just inspired me to kind of look back at my journey and try and process the things that I’ve been through, the bumps and the uncertainty, that feeling plagues us sometimes.

“It’s also about the change and adapting to new experiences, so I hooked on to that feeling when I designed the mural and painted it.”

When she moved to the UK in 2017, she said she felt like she was starting from zero again. “Each step of my journey there’s always hopeful feelings but amidst that there’s the discomforting looming uncertainty that I wanted to highlight.”

Caryn originally studied medicine before making the decision to follow her heart and passion.

“I always wanted to be an artist, I explored that, and I just never looked back really,” she said.

“I’m quite an emotional and sensitive person, and I use art as my outlet because I feel sometimes words can be restrictive. I use art as a way of showcasing my emotions as well as make me talk about my emotions and feelings.”

The new mural called Uncertainty is part of a project aimed at regenerating the town centre. It’s in collaboration with charity Artsite and is funded by Swindon Borough Council and InSwindon.

Coun Robert Jandy, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture, heritage and town centre experience, said: “The amazing new mural in Theatre Square is part of a bigger picture of work we’re doing to welcome people back to the town centre after the pandemic.

“Caryn and Peter from Artsite have been doing some incredible work, both with this new mural and the one at Princes Street, and it’s great to see the area looking beautiful.

“As part of our recovery efforts, the Welcome Back Fund has already helped with additions to the town centre such as new planters, additional CCTV, improved lighting and these excellent murals. I’d like to encourage everyone to come and check these murals out for themselves, they really do deserve seeing with your own eyes.”