Australian artist Fintan Magee is having a very busy summer and just finished painting a new mural dedicated to the refugees in Monteleone di Puglia, Italy, for the Willoke Urban Art festival. This is Fintan’s second Mural in Italy this month.
About the mural
Fintan Magee’s last work is a 14×12 meter mural painted in the school of Monteleone di Puglia, Italy. This small village is a center of 800 inhabitants with two reception centers for refugees: one for unaccompanied minors with 15 guests and the other for families with 20 guests of different nationalities. The guests live in the village as if they were locals, the boys play soccer and speak Italian.
The mural is entitled “Ibra”, the name of a young migrant who, from his previous life, only retains a sort of scarf that holds close in his hands and looks forward with optimism and joy. Ibra is a 16-year-old kid who came from Gambia to Monteleone di Puglia and here he wants to live and work, to be understood, to fall in love and grow.
Fintan Magee came to Monteleone di Puglia, invited by Willoke, to do another project but Fintan was drawn to Ibra’s story and wanted to represent more urgently the history of this young man with all the power of life in his eyes.
About The Artist
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.
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. 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, and has participated in various public art festivals in Australia and abroad.
About the Festival
Willoke is a street art festival, that takes place in the south of Italy between Irpinia and Daunia. The Festival lasts from May till September where many renowned street artists have participated.
Fintan Magee: web | facebook | instagram
The Willoke Art Festival: web | facebook
