Artist Statement

I anchor my practice in the observation of the relationship between the human condition and our wider cosmic environment. I recognize the ‘space’ this provides for generating visual forms that are  crystalized messages for public consumption that make clear references to spiritual teaching and affirmations. These messages may span across various topics, but are largely anchored in 13 year exploration of Jamaican visual communication and music branding.  The public mural installations and artworks generated from my studio practice aim to be tools of communication. I find it important to explore multiple seemingly unrelated topics and the irony of forcing them to coexist. Primarily a painter, my work traverses between public wall spaces and various mediums, such as: sound system sculptures, vinyl records and performance action paintings and projections. My main theme is optimism ; a sense of Idealism while interrogating the harsh realities of our human existence. 

Artist Bio

Matthew McCarthy is a Jamaica-based multi-media and installation artist. His work is influenced by the aesthetics of Jamaican music culture, particularly vintage reggae and dancehall. His appreciation of the visual forms emerging from that sphere has provided a touch point for expressing his messages in a style that feels familiar to his island home of Jamaica. McCarthy received his BFA in visual communication from The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica. His career as a street artist has allowed him to form long lasting connections with various community spaces, with the aim of using public murals as a tool for community upliftment and storytelling. In recent years, his practice has evolved to include a range of media that engage and reference the rich musical history of Jamaica. He has exhibited globally and aims to continue the rich legacy of the powerful Jamaican storytellers and artists that came before him. In 2019, he was awarded The Prime Minister's Youth Award for Excellence for his contributions to nation building and creative achievements

Exhibitions 

(In) Dependence, Resume The Struggle / Olympia Gallery / Group show / Kingston, Jamaica

Exhibitor 2022

Vernacular A La Mode / Little Haiti Cultural Center / Group show / Miami, Florida

Exhibitor 2022

Prizm Art Fair / Wynwood / Group show / Miami, Florida

Exhibitor 2022

Pressure / National Gallery of Jamaica / Group show / Kingston, Jamaica

Exhibitor 2022

Harder they come 50th Anniversary Exhibition / 10a West Kings House / Group show / Kingston, Jamaica

Exhibitor 2022

Marche de l’Art / Monument de la Renaissance Africaine / Group Show / Dakar, Senegal

Exhibitor 2021

La Practica Residency / New Local Space / Group show / Kingston, Jamaica

Exhibitor 2020

Jamaica Jamaica / National Gallery of Jamaica/ Group show / Kingston, Jamaica

Exhibitor 2019

Solidarity, Now More Than Ever / Galleri ACC / residency / Weimar, Germany 

Resident artist 2018

A House for Mr. Biswas / The Shrine, Miami Biennale / South beach, Miami 

Exhibitor 2017 

Jamaican Routes / Galleri F15 Momentum / group show / Moss, Norway 

Exhibitor 2016 

Jamaican Pulse / Royal West Academy / group show / Bristol, United Kingdom 

Exhibitor 2016 

Rwa Rising Star Residency / Easton Community Center / Bristol, United Kingdom 

Art teacher 2016

Live painting / Reggae Geel Festival / Geel, Belgium 

Live painter 2016 

Berlin Wall Ongoing mural project / Yaam (Berlin Wall location) / Berlin, Germany 

Muralist 2015 

Moin Moin / Selekta Studio 1 / Solo show / Hamburg, Germany 

Exhibitor 2015 

Live painting performance with Protoje & the Indiggnation Band / Rototom SunsSplash / Benicassim, Spain 

Live painter 2015 

Reggae University exhibition / Rototom SunSplash / Benicassim, Spain 

Exhibitor 2015 

New Roots / National Gallery of Jamaica / group exhibition / Kingston, Jamaica 

Exhibitor 2013 

Projects 

Pantone / Chilitos Restaurant / Kingston, Jamaica  

creative direction 2019 

- Utilizing the expertise of multiple creatives and curating a unique and immersive experience

for the local creative community

Alpha Boy’s School 

Designer / Muralist 2019 

- Creating original clothing designs to promote ‘Alpha Boys school radio’ & The Jamaica Sound

System Federation 

- Designing and painting large scale murals to upgrade the visual image of the school

Jamaican’s for Justice / Orange Villa / Kingston, Jamaica 

Muralist 2018 

- Creating original mural designs to promote community harmony and commemorating Key

community figures/ individuals

Cuso International mural / YWCA / group initiative / Kingston, Jamaica 

Muralist 2017 

- Designing and executing original murals for YWCA Institute  

The Sankofa Sessions / Nanook Enterprises / group initiative / Kingston, Jamaica 

creative direction 2015 

- Organizing creatives to perform live painting routines on a weekly basis 

- Creating exhibition spaces and curating themed gallery experiences                      

- Providing branding and social media management for the event on a weekly basis 

Regal Zeen 

Designer/ Editor in chief 2015 

- Designing an underground newspaper 

- Making design tools to promote alternative local brands 

‘Up Tour’ / Nanook Enterprises / group tour / Germany & Spain 

Participant / Co organizer 2015 

- Organizing tour concepts and overall branding 

- Making essential curatorial decisions at various stages of the tour

Paint Jamaica / 41 Fleet Street / group initiative / Kingston, Jamaica 

Participant / creative direction 2014 

- Painting Large scale murals inspired by the community of parade gardens 

- Directing and assisting muralists of various skill levels and ages 

- Co organizing placement and phasing of murals with project manager and fellow artists 

List of Awards 

‘World Skills Visual Merchandising award’  1st place Medal 2011 

‘Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts Graduation Medal

’Best visual arts student 2013 

’The Advertising Agencies Association Award for Best Student in

Graphic Design’ 2013

‘Prime Minister's Youth Award for Excellence’ 2019

Educational Background 

Institution : Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts 

Program of Study: visual communication 

First class honors Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 

Grade : 3.8 GPA Year of Graduation: 2013 

School : Wolmer’s Boys’ School 

Level : 11th Grade & Lower Sixth 

Subject(s) : Mathematics, English, Principles of business, visual art, biology, literature,

information technology (general)