Brisbane Street Art Scene

Brisbane is spoilt when it comes to vibrant street artscapes delivering a pop of colour, culture and conversation on to what could possibly be an otherwise unnoticed wall or laneway – enrichening the masterfully-woven artistic urban tapestry we have around us.

How many of these – some of which are well-known, some of which are not – have you discovered on your own street art discovery trail around Brisbane? From murals and stenciled graffiti, to spray paint and street installations, there’s something here to appeal to all art lovers.

Bookmark this page! We’ll be regularly sharing different artists' work across the city to showcase their talent and style.
 

The iconic 4ZZZ facade was painted by the talented Brad Eastman (aka Beastman) in 2010 and still remains one of the city's most striking pieces of contemporary street art. Beastman's colourful creations adorn walls across the country - from commissioned art pieces for the home to mammoth murals, and it's easy to see why he has been invited to hold many national and international exhibitions.

Where to view it: Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley

Originally commissioned for the G20 in 2014, a walk to appreciate this collection of painted pylons is a must-do. Pictured above, from front to back: 'Untitled' by Mik Shida, 'Humming' by Gus Eagleton, 'Portrait' by Gimiks Born.

Where to view them: Below the Merivale Bridge, Corner of Montague Road and Merivale Street, South Brisbane

Part of The Pillars Project, Fintan Magee painted this piece, Flood, based on his own experiences in the 2011 Brisbane floods.

Where to view it: Corner of Montague Road and Merivale Street, South Brisbane

Gus Eagleton's beautiful work can also be seen adorning a wall of this iconic venue in New Farm.

Where to view it: Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St, New Farm

Just around the corner at Brisbane Powerhouse, this mural was created to keep the impact of the building's past and it's harmful effect on the river's ecosystem in the conversation of conservation.

Where to view it: Brisbane Powerhouse (pathway along the river), 119 Lamington St, New Farm

This striking six-storey commissioned mural is the creation of Brisbane-born artist, Fintan Magee. The fact that the woman has fabric partially covering her face plays homage to the long-gone Rocklea Spinning Warehouse, located in South Brisbane, a suburb where Magee spent time in his youth honing his graffiti art skills. Keep your eye out around Brisbane as this is not the only place you'll see his work.

Where to view it: 70 Hope St, South Brisbane (southern side of the building)

Originally planned as the major launch event for Brisbane Street Art Festival 2020, this reflective artwork by Gus Eagleton was put on hold briefly due to Covid-19. The design of this piece stems from the ideology of the ways our choices are influenced through social media in the modern age. Poignantly timed, we can see the woman is working through her own self-isolation process, dealing with the forced situation to be on her own, in self-reflection, staring at her phone on the nearby table, and deciding how or if social media will affect her on the other side of the pandemic.

Where to view it: Superordinary, 62 Mary St, Brisbane CBD

Jodie Connolly’s moving mural, A Life Long Promise, honours the integrity, history and the unwavering service to the community of Legacy House, a community pillar for the many Brisbane families who lives were affected through war over the past century. It’s tucked away in small commercial area, just off Fish Lane, opposite Saccharomyces Beer Cafe.

Where to view it: Fish Lane, between Merivale and Hope Sts, South Brisbane   

West End is a pretty happening hub of Brisbane, and Drapl and Treazy are the masterminds behind this beautiful 2-storey mural representation of Alice Eather, created in honour of her life and her work. A proud, Indigenous Australian woman who sadly passed when she was only 28, Brisbane-born Alice was an avid slam poet, a very committed environmental campaigner and also a dedicated teacher. Her contribution to a better society is missed, but never forgotten.

Where to view it: 100 Boundary St, West End

This wall in bustling Fortitude Valley is an ever-changing canvas that is giving the modern billboard a run for its money. Refreshed every few weeks or so, the hand-painted street art murals have carried the advertising message for a myriad of products and companies – from movie premieres and sportswear labels to product launches and global messaging. See what pops-up next!

Where to view it: Cnr of Brunswick and McLachlan Sts, Fortitude Valley

Isn't she gorgeous? Look at that smile! She's riding the waves of life with cocktails and coffee in her wake. This sassy lady can be found in the porte cochere of CBD hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, and is well-worth the detour off the street to check her out. There's also a couple of crazy pink flamingos on the opposite wall, ready to tempt you with a martini with a difference for your effort. 

Where to view it: 99 Mary St, Brisbane City

Sunshine Coast-based artist, Fuzeillear, brings to life this ginormous sea creature across the exterior of popular Fish Lane restaurant, Hello Please. Her work is usually monochromatic and through the shadowy strokes and recognisable style, her street art offers the viewer the chance to take in the depth of the detail, and take a private moment to just float away in the calm of the experience.

Where to view it: Fish Lane, between Hope and Grey Sts, South Brisbane

This beautiful commissioned mural on the Warmington St side of Bizzell’s Garage is actually a work-in-progress, a creation of the well-known team of The Bright Siders to honour the Paddington tram scene that was a buzzing part of the suburb in the 1900s. The famous fire of the Paddington Tram Depot in 1962 (which was instrumental to the demise of trams running in Brisbane not long after), actually happened on the corner opposite Bizzell’s Garage – where Paddington Central now stands. Keep your eye on how this impressive street art piece unfolds, as there are plans to wrap the entirety of the Bizzell’s Garage building in it's splendour.  

Where to view it: Bizzell’s Garage, Cnr Latrobe Tce and Warmington St, Paddington

This simple Australian outback mural reminds busy city office workers and commuters that there is a big sunburnt country out beyond the horizon. The silhouette figure of the Australian native emu sharing an encounter with a small child is a lovely reminder of how gentle life can be. Once you take time to look at the detail in this quiet and unassuming street art, you'll see just how much it has to say. Stroll just passed The Westin Hotel to see it.

Where to view it: 133 Mary St, Brisbane CBD

Standing proud as Brisbane’s first art hotel, the five-storey high façade of The Constance in Fortitude Valley is adorned by the work of famed street artist, Rone. Historically, his work features evocative paintings of women’s faces and his impressive style can be seen all around the world. Sporting an interestingly checkered past, believed to be the Brisbane chapter of a mysterious secret society at one point, the building underwent an artful restoration and now also boasts funky arts vibes by the likes of world-famous street artists Fintan Magee, Numskul, Rone and Beastman throughout the interior as well.

Where to view it: 14-20 Constance St, Fortitude Valley 

Many who travel Waterworks Road through Red Hill will be very familiar with the iconic artscape along the wall of the now Red Hill Cinemas. Created by Brisbane-based artist Drapl in collaboration with Treazy, the beautiful street art dates back around 15-20 years. When the derelict building was restored and redeveloped into a state-of-the-art cinema, it was a conscious decision to retain much of the original graffiti art, add to it and celebrate the role it plays in Brisbane’s colourful art landscape.

Where to view it: Cnr Waterworks Rd and Enoggera Tce, Red Hill

If you'd like to hear more about what's new on Brisbane's street art scene, discover first the latest cafe, bar and restaurant openings and get the low-down on what's happening around town, sign-up for our free, weekly e-newsletter here.

By Danella Perrins