Adnate
Matt Adnate seeks to capture the essence of humanity in his artwork, using portraiture to convey the depth and beauty of the human spirit on walls and in exhibitions.
At the core of Adnate's art is a profound belief in the transformative power of art to bring about positive social change. His murals often feature monumental portraits of indigenous individuals shining a spotlight on their culture, heritage, and struggles. He aims to amplify their voices, drawing attention to the significance of land rights and cultural preservation.
One of Adnate's notable achievements is his 20-storey mural on a housing commission building in Melbourne. This mural serves as a striking portrayal of the diverse individuals and communities living in the housing estate, showcasing their stories and humanity. It has become a symbol of inclusivity and community empowerment, shedding light on those who are often overlooked and marginalized.
Thomgallery is proud to work alongside and represent an artist of such stature who’s practise extends beyond the canvas. Adnate’s practice speaks to his audience and wider community through artwork that is simultaneously beautiful and powerful.
It Blooms Oil and Spray on Canvas 198 x 130 cm $16,000
"It Will Follow" Acrylic and Spray Paint on Linen 118cm x 199cm $14,400
Untitled 1 Acrylic on Linen 103 x 900 cm $8,100
Untitled 2 Acrylic on Linen 103 x 900 cm $8,100
Adnate’s murals grace major cities globally, from Los Angeles to New York, and traverse continents, with extensive work in Asia, Europe, and Australia. Beyond urban landscapes, he extends his large-scale portraiture to remote communities worldwide.
Adnate's influence spans both the music and art spheres, marked by notable accolades. His ARIA award for Best Cover Art on Baker Boy's "Gela" album and multiple finalist appearances in esteemed competitions like the Doug Moran and Archibald Prize showcase his artistic prowess.
In acknowledgment of his artistic journey, Adnate was honored with a dedicated Art Series hotel in Perth, named “The Adnate.” This 25- storey mural-adorned landmark celebrates his art and its message, offering a unique intersection of art and hospitality, immersing guests in his concepts and paintings.
More than aesthetics, Adnate's art serves as a catalyst for social change. His murals advocate, raise awareness, and empower, earning him global acclaim and a distinguished role in influencing conversations around societal issues. Adnate's work transcends traditional boundaries, resonating beyond the canvas to inspire engagement with the world's pressing concerns.
Matt Adnate respectfully recognizes the traditional custodians of the lands where he creates, paying homage to their Elders past and present. His aspiration is that the murals he produces contribute to societal change and serve as educational tools for as long as they endure on walls and canvas.
Understanding the significance of community engagement, Adnate emphasizes the importance of consulting with elders and influential figures. This collaborative process is essential to ensure the authenticity of the messages conveyed through his art to the wider public.
Complementing his regular charitable efforts, Adnate organizes an annual independent fundraiser. The proceeds from the sale of his artworks support Indigenous communities, which have been the primary source of inspiration for his murals and exhibitions throughout the year. Given the overwhelming success of these initiatives, Adnate remains committed to continuing these fundraisers for years to come.
MATT ADNATE
CV
January 2023 - Sydney, Australia - Commissioned large scale mural celebrating the Dulux & Surf Life Saving Club Australia Partnership
November 2022 - Sydney Australia - ARIA Award winner, Best Album Cover Art for Baker Boy’s album “Gela”
November 2022 - Melbourne, Australia - Commissioned large mural the newBlack Panther Film “Wakanda Forever”
May 2021 - Heywood, Australia - Commissioned mural in collaboration with the Gunditjmara community and Tommy Day on the Heywood WaterTower.
April 2021 - Wodonga, Australia - Commissioned mural for City of Wodonga.
November 2020 - Melbourne, Australia - Commissioned mural in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Council and the Yarra City Council.
June 2020 - Far East Consortium - Collaborative exhibitioninstallation with Tibetan Artist Lobsang Dhoyou for Juddy Roller.
May 2020 - Melbourne, Australia - Commissioned Canvas for theLowitja Institute.
February 2020 - Melbourne, Australia - Commissioned mural for ArtsCentre Melbourne at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
September 2019 -Perth, Australia - ‘The Adnate’ Art Series Hotel is launched, featuring a 25 storey Muraland many artworks.
May 2019 - Brisbane, Australia - Commissioned mural for BrisbaneStreet Art Festival.
May 2019 - Melbourne, Australia - National Gallery of Victoria,Large scale painting for Dulux Colour Awards.
December 2018 - Melbourne, Australia - Commissioned portrait by Mercedesfor the Mercedes Me Store.
September 2018 -Melbourne, Australia - Commissioned large scale 20 storey mural by Juddy Roller on Collingwoodhousing Estate.
July 2018 - Saint Nazaire, France - Commissioned Large Scale Muralfor Les Escales.
May 2018 - North Carolina, U.S.A. - Commissioned large scale Muralprojects by Marti Kotis.
February 2018 - Melbourne, Australia - Commissioned large scale Mural of9 portraits on the Aborigines Advancement League.
August 2017 - North Carolina, U.S.A. - Commissioned large scale Muralsrepresenting the local Native American “Lumbee” Tribe.
August 2017 - Wide Open Walls, Sacramento, California U.S.A. Commissioned large scaleMural for the Mural Art Festival.
May 2017 -Nanda/Hobbs Gallery, Sydney, Australia “Tomorrow’s Past” Solo Exhibition.
March 2017 - Benalla Regional Art Gallery, Benalla, Victoria, Australia - Exhibition with Rone and Mural in Goorambat Church as part of Wall to Wall Festival.
November 2016 - Silo Art Trail, Sheep Hills,Victoria, Australia Commissioned large scale Mural.
October 2016 - Finalist in the Doug Moran Portrait Prize, Sydney, Australia.
May 2016 - Metro Gallery, Melbourne, Australia “Always Been Here” Solo Exhibition.
April 2016 - Warburton, Western Australian Desert - Commissioned Mural for theMelbourne University Eye Health Trachoma Campaign.
March 2016 - Wall to Wall Festival, Benalla, Australia - Commissioned large scale Mural for the Wall to Wall Street Art Festival.
March 2016 - Melbourne, Australia - Commissioned large scale Mural for the Melbourne Grand Prix.
November 2015 - Dharamsala, India - Invitation to meet the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet for viewing of Adnate’swork.
October 2015 - Johannesburg, South Africa - Multiple commissioned large scalemurals for City of Gold Festival.
June 2015 - Australian High Commission, Singapore,Singapore Multiple commissioned large scale murals around the City.
May 2015 - ArtEquity/Nanda Hobbs Gallery, Sydney, Australia “Into The Sun” Solo Exhibition.
February 2015- Benalla Art Gallery, Victoria, Australia Acquisition by the Benalla ArtGallery.
February 2015 - Spectrum Street Art Festival,Christchurch, New Zealand Multiple Large Scale Murals.
January 2015 - Benalla Art Gallery, Benalla,Australia Group Exhibition.
December 2014 - Miami Art Basel, Miami USA MultipleLarge Scale Murals.
November 2014 -Brooklyn, New york Large Scale Mural.
September 2014 - Hasselt, Belgium Large Scale Mural.
May 2014 -Metro Gallery, Melbourne, Australia “Beyond the Lands” Solo Exhibition.
February 2013 - Archibald entry, Sydney, AustraliaPortrait of Indigenous Super Model Samantha Harris.
October 2012 - AWOL Crew, Melbourne, Australia“Fabric” Group Exhibition.
July 2012 - Metro Gallery, Melbourne, Australia MetroArt Award Finalist.
June 2012 - Rtist Gallery, Melbourne, Australia “LostCulture” Solo Exhibition.
October 2011 - Triple J Radio Winner for Nationalcompetition Outpost Street Art Festival, Sydney, Australia.
October 2011 - Stroke Festival, Berlin, Germany LiveMural Painting at the Festival.
September 2011 - Box 32 Gallery, Berlin, Germany“Point of View” Solo Exhibition.
February 2011 - National Gallery of Victoria,Melbourne, Australia Commissioned collaborative mural for the new NGV StudioGallery.
February 2011 - No Vacancy Gallery, FederationSquare, Melbourne, Australia “Signs of Life” Solo Exhibition
February 2010 - No Vacancy Gallery, QV Building, Melbourne,Australia - “Demand Attention” SoloExhibition
February 2009 - Catalan Adjustment Gallery, Barcelona,Spain - “Dualidad” collaborativeexhibition with Spanish artist Panor
June 2007 - Spanish Festival Event, Barcelona SpainCollaborative mural, approximately 15m long
March 2006 - Panic Gallery, Melbourne, Australia - Featured in Extempore GroupExhibition