Brisbane is a canvas bursting with art that transforms everyday urban spaces into lively galleries. Brisbane street art encompasses everything from murals that make you pause in your tracks to intricate stencilled graffiti that turns the mundane into the extraordinary.
Many works are created by lesser-known artists, adding a unique and personal touch to the city’s artistic landscape. You can take a walk, see incredible works across the city and learn more about the colourful side of Brisbane.
Brisbane’s streets are a veritable open-air gallery showcasing an array of street art that captures the city’s creativity and spirit. From murals to wall art, Brisbane brings the goods, wearing its culture on its sleeve, here are some of the highlights:
One of Brisbane’s standout street art pieces is the iconic 4ZZZ facade, created by the renowned artist Brad Eastman, also known as Beastman. His colourful, abstract designs have made a lasting impression on the city.
Directions: Head to Barry Parade in Fortitude Valley. You can’t miss the vivid and dynamic artwork.
If you’re up for a bit of a stroll, make your way to the pylons beneath the Merivale Bridge. This collection, originally commissioned for the G20 Summit, features contributions from several artists. Look out for Mik Shida’s ‘Untitled,’ Gus Eagleton’s ‘Humming,’ and Gimiks Born’s ‘Portrait.’ Each pillar tells its own story, turning the space into an evolving mural gallery.
Directions: You can find these works at the corner of Montague Road and Merivale Street in South Brisbane.
Also part of The Pillars Project, Fintan Magee’s ‘Flood’ is a powerful piece reflecting his personal experiences during the 2011 Brisbane floods.
Directions: This mural is located in the same area as The Pillars Project, so you can see both the pylons and this poignant work in one visit.
Gus Eagleton’s charming mural, ‘Afternoon Stroll,’ adds a touch of artistic flair to the Brisbane Powerhouse. This piece beautifully complements the venue’s vibrant atmosphere.
Directions: Head over to 119 Lamington Street, New Farm, to admire this and other nearby murals.
Just a stone’s throw from Eagleton’s work at the Brisbane Powerhouse is Benjamin Reeve’s ‘Toxic Fish.’ This mural tackles environmental issues, highlighting the impact of the building’s past on the river’s ecosystem.
Directions: You’ll find it along the pathway by the river at 119 Lamington Street, New Farm.
The six-storey mural by Fintan Magee pays homage to the Rocklea Spinning Warehouse, reflecting Magee’s connection to the area and his artistic roots.
Directions: This impressive piece graces the southern side of a building at 70 Hope Street, South Brisbane.
For a more introspective piece, check out Gus Eagleton’s ‘Self-Isolation.’ Originally slated as a highlight for the Brisbane Street Art Festival 2020, this work poignantly explores themes of social media and personal reflection during the pandemic.
Directions: You’ll find this one at Superordinary, 62 Mary Street, Brisbane CBD.
While you can head to the art galleries in Brisbane, the Brisbane Street Art Festival (BSAF) is the biggest art event of the year. This annual extravaganza transforms Brisbane into a sprawling canvas for an incredible array of local, national, and international street artists.
For two weeks each May, the festival turns everyday spaces into vibrant art installations. No surface is left untouched, whether it’s a blank wall, a busy roadway, or a quiet laneway. Over 20 artists showcase their talents, turning Brisbane into a dynamic art gallery. From the lively Northshore Brisbane, where Superordinary hosts three live murals, to the Howard Smith Wharves, which sees five new pieces spring to life, there’s no shortage of spots to explore. Other exciting locations include QUT Gardens Point, The Tivoli, Portside Wharf, Constance Street in Fortitude Valley, RNA Showgrounds, Garden City, and The Barracks.
The BSAF offers a unique opportunity to watch artists in action and even learn a few tricks of the trade. The festival is an interactive experience where you can see how these talented individuals bring their visions to life and maybe even get inspired to try your hand at street art yourself.
The Brisbane City Art Trail showcases an eclectic array of public artworks scattered across a 1.8-kilometer stretch. Beginning at Tank Street near the Kurilpa Bridge and concluding at Albert Street near the City Botanic Gardens, this trail offers everything from sculptures and immersive installations to modernist paintings and street art. The walk takes just over an hour and provides an engaging way to explore Brisbane’s vibrant art scene.
Starting in the legal precinct, you’ll see pieces like Carl Warner’s ‘Infinity Forest’ at Evolution Apartments, a towering glass mural evoking the historic riverine landscape. Nearby, the Santos Place arcade features Lincoln Austin’s ‘Once, Again,’ a dynamic artwork that interacts with light and colour, engaging the viewer’s senses. The 400 George Street building is a hub of artistic activity, displaying Kenji Uranishi’s intricate ‘Infiltration’ and Donna Marcus’s dramatic ‘Trickle,’ along with Gemma Smith’s vibrant modernist paintings.
Further along the trail, you’ll encounter more iconic pieces such as Yayoi Kusama’s ‘The Eyes Are Singing Out’ at the Supreme and District Courts Complex and Stuart Green’s life-cycle sculptures at 275 George Street. Brisbane Square features Donna Marcus’s ‘Steam,’ a playful installation of aluminium spheres. Be sure to check the official website for the full trail instructions.
For art lovers in Brisbane, the city boasts a diverse range of venues to find the perfect piece for your collection. Places like Artisan in Bowen Hills, Birrunga Gallery for Indigenous art and Fortitude Valley’s TWFINEART help you find contemporary art, photography and more.
Where is the Brisbane street art festival?
The Brisbane Street Art Festival takes place across various locations throughout the city, including Howard Smith Wharves, Northshore Brisbane, and Constance Street in Fortitude Valley. It features live mural painting and art installations in numerous public spaces and is usually held in May.
The best accommodation in Brisbane can be found at Punthill Spring Hill, 40 Astor Terrace, Spring Hill, QLD; stylish and spacious serviced apartments just a few minutes walk to the heart of the CBD.
