My mural concept is representative of women in the arts and industry in Marrickville, holding light fittings that subtly represent industries that underpinned the Marrickville economy. The lights serve as a symbol for hope, change and hard work and creativity, as the old wool sheds employed around 70% women, referencing the working class and feminist roots of the area. This mural is my exploration of typical figurative style, evoking an inherent sentimentality and softness exploring how creative opportunities for women have changed over the years and the Archibald prize hit gender parity for the first time in 2018 by women taking all three major art prizes - the Wynne, the Sulman and The Archibald. Find out more about the subjects of his artwork, Wendy Sharpe and Rachael Lafferty.
Fintan Magee is a Sydney based leading social realist painter, specializing in large-scale murals. Magee’s work is driven by his recognition of the power of murals to communicate political and social viewpoints. His figurative paintings are deeply integrated with the city and explore themes of diversity, migration and transition, waste and consumption, loss and the environment.