Australia’s Growing Urban Street Art Scene
Australia’s street art scene has evolved dramatically since its humble beginnings in the 1980s. From the early days of graffiti to the contemporary landscape of murals and installations, Australian artists have consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional art forms.
From Fintan’s intricate stencils to Numskull’s large-scale murals and Elora Patterson’s thought-provoking works, these artists prove that Australian street art is a powerful medium for expressing creativity, social commentary, and cultural identity.
Their works are not only a visual spectacle but also a reflection of the country’s unique artistry.
Iconic Australian Artists Shaping Our Street
E.L.K. the Stencil King
Art Style: Abstract, Urban Art
Instagram Followers: 13,000
Artist Bio: Luke Cornish, also known as E.L.K., is a renowned Australian street artist whose work is characterised by bold stencils. Some of his works contain over 100 layers of stencils with up to 243 colours.
E.L.K. has traveled to Syria, Lebanon, and Iran. To help Syrian children affected by the conflict, he co-started a charity called “For Syria’s Children” in early 2017, which works with local organisations in Syria to raise money. He also organised an urban art auction in 2017 to support Syrian children.
Jimmy C the Drip Painting Master
Art Style: Pop Art, Street Art
Instagram Followers: 30,700
Artist Bio: James Cochran, known as Jimmy C, is an Australian-born English street artist who played a key role in establishing the graffiti scene in Adelaide. He developed a unique spray paint technique known as pointillism, where he creates portraits or cityscapes using dots and dashes.
This technique has evolved into his signature styles of “drip paintings” and “scribble paintings,” which use layers of coloured drips or energetic lines to form vibrant and expressive cityscapes and portraits that became inspiration for many graffiti artists today.
Fintan Magee the Realist
Art Style: Street Art, Social Art
Instagram Followers: 119,000
Artist Bio: Fintan Magee is often compared to Banksy in the media, but he dislikes this comparison, calling it “lazy journalism.” His art often focuses on environmental and social problems.
His 2015 solo show at Backwoods Gallery in Melbourne was inspired by his personal experiences during the 2011 Brisbane floods. He uses his own stories to discuss larger issues Australia is facing like climate change and the migrant crisis.
Mulga the Artist (author, and musician, too)
Art Style: Urban Art
Instagram Followers: 46,100
Artist Bio: Joel Moore, also known as Mulga, is an Australian artist known for his vibrant and quirky illustrations. His signature style features intricate linework, bright colours, and whimsical characters like bearded men and surfing gorillas.
After finding success in galleries and markets, Mulga transitioned from finance to full-time art in 2014. Today, he creates murals, designs merchandise, and collaborates with major brands, bringing his unique vision to everything from clothing to phone wallpapers.
Anthony Lister the Premier Street Artist
Art Style: Muralism, Graffiti Art
Instagram Followers: 71,200
Artist Bio: Anthony Lister is a renowned Australian street artist known for his bold and expressive style. He helped pioneer the street art movement in his home city Brisbane as a teenager, and later in the inner suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne.
His work often incorporates elements of street art, expressionism, pop art, and contemporary youth culture. His work has been featured in publications and documentaries, showcasing his significant contribution to the Australian art scene.
Sofles the Self-Taught Graffiti Genius
Art Style: Muralism, Street Art
Instagram Followers: 381,000
Artist Bio: Russell Fenn, or Sofles, an Australian graffiti artist known for his large-scale murals with vibrant colours, intricate details, and abstract elements. Inspired by nature, society, and traditional art, his work explores themes of time, dimensions, and personal experiences.
Sofles has collaborated with numerous brands and painted murals around the world, with a goal to create impactful art that evokes emotions and transforms public spaces.
Adnate the Realist
Art Style: Surrealism, Portraiture, Street Art
Instagram Followers: 92,100
Artist Bio: Matt Last, who goes by his artist name, Adnate, is a renowned Australian street artist known for his large-scale murals. Inspired by indigenous cultures and Italian art, his work often depicts portraits of First Nations individuals, blending abstraction, surrealism, and realism.
Adnate gained international recognition for his vibrant and thought-provoking pieces, which are showcased in cities worldwide. Adnate’s art is a testament to his passion for social justice and cultural exchange..
Reko Rennie the Urban Aboriginal Artist
Art Style: Graffiti, Street Art, Sculpture, Film
Instagram Followers: 18,200
Artist Bio: Indigenous Australian artist Reko Rennie uses his art to explore his Kamilaroi heritage and challenge stereotypes. His work often combines traditional Aboriginal iconography with contemporary styles, such as graffiti, to create visually striking and thought-provoking pieces.
Rennie’s art is known for its bold colours, repetitive patterns, and strong messages about identity and social justice. Through his paintings, sculptures, installations, and films, he aims to raise awareness of the experiences of Indigenous people and their ongoing struggle for recognition and respect.
Rone the Keeper of Lost Spaces
Art Style: Street Art, Murals
Instagram Followers: 140,000
Artist Bio: Tyrone Wright, who goes by the moniker Rone, is a renowned Australian artist known for his immersive, large-scale installations. By transforming forgotten spaces into captivating environments, he invites audiences to experience his art in a unique and personal way.
Rone’s work is characterised by its attention to detail, combining visual art with sound and lighting to create immersive experiences. His installations often explore themes of memory, time, and the fleeting nature of life.
George Rose the Botanical Artist
Art Style: Pop Art, Street Art
Instagram Followers: 20,400
Artist Bio: George Rose is a Melbourne-based muralist known for his large-scale, colourful works. His art often features gestural mark-making, botanical imagery, and a focus on endangered species.
Rose gained international recognition for his murals, which can be found in various countries. He has received multiple awards for his work, including the ‘Best Mural’ title at the Street Art Australia Prize in 2019.
Scottie Marsh the Political Street Artist
Art Style: Political Art, Urban Art
Instagram Followers: 56,300
Artist Bio: Scott Marsh is a prominent Australian street artist known for his large-scale, politically charged murals. His work often challenges societal norms and provokes thought.
With his bold and iconic pieces, Marsh has gained international recognition and transformed public spaces into powerful statements of social commentary. His murals often address current events and controversial topics, making them both visually striking and intellectually stimulating.
PHIBS the Dreamweaver
Art Style: Muralism, Street Art
Instagram Followers: 35,800
Artist Bio: PHIBS, whose real name is Tim De Haan, is a renowned Australian street artist known for his large-scale, colourful murals. His work often features organic themes and a distinctive blend of symbolism, multiculturalism, and mythology.
He has gained international recognition for his pieces, which can be found in cities around the world. He is a prominent member of the Everfresh Studio Collective and has been featured in documentaries and exhibitions.
Facter the Multifaceted Maker
Art Style: Pop Art, Street Art
Instagram Followers: 7,571
Artist Bio: Fletcher Andersen, or Facter, in the art scene, is a versatile Australian artist known for his colourful, illustrative style. His work spans various mediums, including street art, designer toys, and illustration. Facter’s distinctive style features whimsical creatures and vibrant colours. He has gained international recognition for his pieces, which can be found in cities around the world.
Claire Foxton the Urban Narrator
Art Style: Street Art, Portraiture
Instagram Followers: 13,000
Artist Bio: Claire Foxton is known for her large-scale murals. Her work often features vivid, photorealistic portraits of local individuals, exploring themes of identity and connection.
Through her distinctive style, which combines abstract and realistic elements, Foxton creates visually striking and thought-provoking pieces that engage viewers on a deeper level. Her murals can be found in various locations across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Owlet Art, a.k.a. Cara Sanders the Coastal Canvas Artist
Art Style: Landscape Painting, Street Art
Instagram Followers: 13,700
Artist Bio: Cara Sanders is a Queensland-based painter whose work reflects her deep connection to the natural world. Inspired by her travels and upbringing in the Kimberley, she creates vibrant and dynamic paintings that capture the essence of coastal landscapes.
Her art has been featured on The Block and is available on Granddad Jacks Gin labels.
More Than Just Street Art
The street art scene in Australia is a testament to the country’s vibrant and diverse culture. From the iconic murals of Adnate to the immersive installations of Rone, these artists are pushing the boundaries of creativity and transforming public spaces into open-air galleries.
As the popularity of street art continues to grow, it presents exciting opportunities for businesses to engage with their communities. By collaborating with talented street artists, businesses can create unique and memorable marketing campaigns that resonate with their target audience.
How Australian street artists can benefit businesses
Street art also works as a good marketing strategy that can help businesses increase brand visibility and recognition in their local communities.
Food delivery service Menu Log, beer company Cooper’s Brewery, and even a government-commissioned educational centre in Illawara have all made use of street art to capture their audiences.
By collaborating with street artists can foster positive relationships with the local community and create a sense of belonging.
In a sense, street art can help businesses stand out from their competitors and create a unique brand identity. The vibrant and eye-catching installations can attract customers to businesses within the area.
Pushing Boundaries with Street Art
The future of street art in Australia looks bright, with a growing number of talented artists emerging and pushing the boundaries of creativity. As this art form continues to evolve, it offers exciting opportunities for businesses to engage with their communities and promote their brands in a unique and impactful way.
As artists continue to push boundaries and inspire new generations, we can expect to see even more innovative and thought-provoking works that will shape the nation’s artistic landscape for years to come.
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