WHO IS THE ARTIST
SOLVING THE MMAGSWASHERE PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART RIDDLE [A CUSTOM HOUSE MYSTERY]
Dublin’s streets are a living gallery, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Dublin Canvas project, which transforms drab utility boxes into colourful works of art. While strolling past the grand facade of the Custom House, a couple of recently painted pieces from July 2025 caught my eye, both signed by an intriguing artist: “mmagswashere.”
My camera and I were immediately drawn to the creativity on display. One box is a brilliant homage to “The Evolution of Irish Currency,” a clever and historical theme that’s perfectly placed in the city’s financial district. Another nearby cabinet is cleverly disguised as a classic green An Post postbox, a delightful trick of the eye that brings a smile to your face. The style is distinct and engaging, but the artist’s name was one I didn’t recognise.
Naturally, I wanted to find out more. My first port of call was the official Dublin Canvas website, which diligently catalogues the hundreds of installations and their creators. However, a search for “mmagswashere” drew a blank. There was no listed artist under that name, leaving me with a classic street art mystery. Was this a new artist on the scene, an unofficial alias, or a secret well-kept from the online world?
For a while, the trail went cold, and the artist’s identity remained a puzzle.
[UPDATE] The Mystery Solved!
Persistence pays off! After further investigation, I can reveal the solution. The official title for the currency-themed piece is ‘The Custom House Stamped in Time’ and the artist behind this work is the talented Megan Gifford, an American artist and fashion student.
It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world of public art, where a signature can create a mystery and an artist’s story can span continents. While the “mmagswashere” tag first caught my attention, I’m delighted to now correctly credit Megan Gifford for her wonderful contribution to Dublin’s vibrant streetscape. It’s a great reminder that there’s always a story behind the art that colours our city.