Fintan Magee
Fintan Magee is an Australian street artist known for his murals throughout Australia and the world. Born in Lismore, New South Wales, he grew up in Brisbane, gaining a reputation as a graffiti writer before obtaining a fine arts degree and relocating to Sydney.
Work
He has been described as "Australia's Banksy"[2][3][4] by a number of media outlets although Magee has stated in various interviews that he hates this and has stated it is a result of "lazy journalism".[5]
His work often deals with environmental issues. In 2015 his solo show at Backwoods Gallery in Melbourne was themed around his own personal experiences in the 2011 Brisbane floods.[6] He often uses personal stories to talk about broader issues like climate change and the migrant crisis.
He received national acclaim for his mural depicting Felix Baumgartner in Brisbane,[7] and has participated in various public art festivals in Australia and abroad. Along with other recognised street artists from around Australia, Magee contributed to Toowoomba's "First Coat" program.[8]
Family background
Fintan has Irish, English and Australian ancestry, his father is from Derry in Northern Ireland and his mother is English born. His maternal grandfather, who was from Woollahra in Sydney, had an architectural practice in Ghana, West Africa.
References
- Ben Cheikh, Mehdi (2015). Djerbahood : le musée de street art à ciel ouvert. Albin Michel.
- "This 'Australian Banksy' Mural Is a Gigantic Optical Illusion". Retrieved 7 July 2016.
- "Fintan Magee – North West Walls". Retrieved 7 July 2016.
- "Australian Banksy Fintan Magee Hits His Mark with Wild Optical Illusion | artnet News". 16 June 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
- "The Price We Pay – Sea Walls". seawalls.org. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- "Fintan Magee: art flooded with memory". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
- "Fintan Magee creates arresting street art tribute to Felix Baumgartner in Brisbane" by Erinna Giblin, News.com.au, 26 October 2012
- "Toowoomba's streets of art" by Kate Stark, Queensland Country Life, 1 March 2014