MICHAEL CAVANUGH ARTIST — Michael Cavanaugh Art

Michael Cavanaugh Art

Michael Cavanaugh is a Toronto-based artist.

His paintings depict liminal scenes of urban margins and outskirts, looking closer at the overlooked, and transforming the ordinary into extraordinary.

He explores colour, perspective, natural light in conjunction with artificial light, and natural forms contrasted with man-made forms.

Michael’s mural art production includes the Neighbourhood of Nations Mural in St James Town (with Poonam Sharma & Catherine Tammaro), the Cabbagetown Neighbours Heritage Mural on Parliament Street (with Poonam Sharma), The Rose of Cabbagetown on Carlton St (with Ted Hamer).

Michael studied at the Ontario College of Art and has an Master’s of Fine Arts in painting from the University of Manitoba. He is also the recipient of the 2018 Urban Hero Award.

Multi-Media Artist and Leader of the Community

Michael Cavanaugh uses acrylic paint, pencil, pen and paint marker to create his worlds, often exploring liminal spaces like the outskirt of the city, glowing twilight or the coming of spring. His works, especially his use of colour and contrast, evoke a sense of bittersweet nostalgia and the under-appreciated beauty of urban life.

Outside the studio Michael is a leading member of the Toronto art community, having founded the Bell Box Murals project as well as participating in murals for St-James Town and Cabbagetown. His goal is to showcase the wealth of amazing and diverse artists in every neighbourhood in Canada, turning unsightlightly infrastructure into works of local art.

His most important role is as a father to his two extraordinary daughters, a grandfather to his beloved Bennett, and a mentor to young Canadian artists.

Michael is also deeply grateful for the encouragement, love and support of his partner Marie Belanger.