Artist Bio

Finbar McHugh

Irish Multidisciplinary Artist | Energy Intuitive

Finbar McHugh is a Galway-based artist whose two-decade journey has evolved from graffiti culture to abstract fine art. His work delves into themes of human connection, energy, and the transformative power of creativity, manifesting through public installations, private collections, and international cultural engagements. Finbar has participated in notable events such as the Silk Road Artist Rendezvous at a UNESCO site in Liangzhou, China, and the Human Symposium in Romania. His practice continues to expand, inviting audiences to explore life’s mysteries and engage with the depth of their human experience.

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Finbar’s journey as an artist began in 2002 with his first experience using spray paint in Cyprus, sparking a fascination that led him to the world of graffiti and street art. Embracing the immediacy and raw energy of spray paint, he began pushing creative boundaries, taking his work to street art festivals and graffiti walls across Europe, including Spain, Ukraine, Romania, and the Czech Republic. These experiences connected him with communities and celebrated the diversity of style that would shape his evolving practice.

After earning an honours BA in Visual Communications from the Limerick School of Art and Design in 2010, Finbar returned to Ireland in 2014, establishing his studio in Woodquay, Galway, in 2015. From his studio, he has explored intersections of art, community, and healing. His work has since been exhibited in solo and group shows, including at Galway Arts Centre and Town Hall Theatre. His Feelings series found its way into homes, restaurants, and public spaces, while other works have been acquired by hotels and multinational companies.

A notable installation, Time, at Galway University Hospital with Saolta Arts, was created for mental health awareness, featuring thousands of zines filled with messages of hope, well-being philosophies, and reflections. This free public publication blended Finbar’s art and writing, offering support and inspiration. Another significant installation, Love vs Fear, explores themes of human connection and transformation.

In recent years, Finbar’s work has taken him to China for the Silk Road Artist Rendezvous in Liangzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and to Romania for the Human Symposium, where he created Împreună—a piece rooted in the Romanian word for “together.” Împreună was focused on connecting with the energy of the land and creating a community space for meditation and connection, anchored by the art and crafted in collaboration with the local community.

Today, Finbar’s practice is evolving from fine art on walls to immersive, 3D sculptural experiences that transform spaces. This shift reflects his ongoing exploration of human potential and creativity, inviting others to connect deeply with their own experiences.