Matthew McCarthy, the “Jamaican Banksy”
About:
“The model of being anonymous doesn’t work in Jamaica. No one does incognito graffiti here- it costs too much”.
This is Matthew McCarthy- whom I like to call the “Jamaican Banksy”. He is a street artist & illustrator. I came across his work (online) even before my very first trip to Jamaica in 2013. And then prior to one of my trips, I thought I would contact him, try my luck see if we could meet up…and as you can see, we did.
I had the chance to spend some time with him and better understand his influences, inspirations and why he does what he does. It was especially interesting to meet a graffiti artist, as typically they don’t go very “public”.
He is incredibly talented and his colourful murals have illuminated many streets of Kingston as well as being exhibited at the National Gallery of Jamaica.
I hope his work is recognized and expands on a global level.
In another life I would had loved to manage & support emerging talents- but Im not going to lie, I don’t enjoy it often being based on “who you know” and “who you are”… that’s a major turn-off. Nonetheless, if anyone is ever interested in getting in touch w/Matthew, feel free to contact me I can reach out to him directly. I wont hide that he would love to paint a wall in NY! (text Marianne on Flickr)