STREET ART BY MAGSWASHERE
SOLVING THE MAGSWASHERE STREET ART RIDDLE [PAINT-A-BOX AT THE CUSTOM HOUSE]
Dublin’s streets are a living gallery, a fact nowhere more evident than in the Dublin Canvas project. This initiative tirelessly transforms drab utility boxes into colourful works of art, turning the mundane into the magnificent.
I recently returned to the grand precincts of the Custom House with my Leica Q3. Having first spotted a series of intriguing pieces of paint-a-box street art there back in July 2025, I wanted to revisit the location this week to capture fresh, high-resolution images and finally put a name to the mysterious tag that had piqued my curiosity: "mmagswashere."
A Tale of Two Boxes
One is immediately drawn to the creativity on display. The artist has utilised the street furniture to vibrant effect, creating two distinct pieces that demand attention against the grey backdrop of the area.
The first is a brilliant homage to Irish heritage, titled ‘The Custom House Stamped in Time’. It serves as a clever visual history of the "Evolution of Irish Currency," perfectly situated near the former hub of trade and taxation.
The second cabinet offers a delightful trick of the eye. It is cleverly disguised as a classic green An Post postbox. The trompe-l'œil effect is charming, bringing a smile to the face of passers-by who might momentarily mistake the utility box for a place to post their letters. The style across both works is distinct, engaging, and clearly the work of a talented hand.
The Search for an Identity
Despite the quality of the work, the signature "mmagswashere" was initially a puzzle.
Naturally, my first port of call was the official Dublin Canvas website, which typically catalogues hundreds of installations and their creators with great diligence. However, my initial searches for the tag drew a blank. There was no artist listed under that alias, leaving me with a classic street art mystery. Was this a new guerrilla artist on the scene, an unlisted alias, or a secret kept from the digital world?
For a time, the trail went cold. But as any photographer knows, patience and persistence are key—both in capturing the perfect light and in uncovering the story behind the subject.
The Mystery Solved
After further investigation and a closer look during my recent shoot, I can finally reveal the solution.
The artist behind these wonderful additions to the Dublin streetscape is Megan Gifford, an American artist and fashion student. Her tag, "mmagswashere," was a playful breadcrumb trail that eventually led to her portfolio.
It is a fascinating glimpse into the world of public art, where a simple signature can spark a mystery and an artist's story can span continents. I am delighted to now correctly credit Megan Gifford for her contribution. It serves as a great reminder to all of us exploring the city: pause, look closer, and remember that there is always a story behind the art that colours our streets.
Key Information
Artist: Megan Gifford (Tag: mmagswashere)
Artwork Title: The Custom House Stamped in Time
Location: Custom House, Dublin
Photography: William Murphy (Infomatique/Photonique)
Gear: Leica Q3
Dublin’s streets are a living gallery, a fact nowhere more evident than in the Dublin Canvas project. This initiative tirelessly transforms drab utility boxes into colourful works of art, turning the mundane into the magnificent.
I recently returned to the grand precincts of the Custom House with my Leica Q3. Having first spotted a series of intriguing pieces of paint-a-box street art there back in July 2025, I wanted to revisit the location this week to capture fresh, high-resolution images and finally put a name to the mysterious tag that had piqued my curiosity: "mmagswashere."
A Tale of Two Boxes
One is immediately drawn to the creativity on display. The artist has utilised the street furniture to vibrant effect, creating two distinct pieces that demand attention against the grey backdrop of the area.
The first is a brilliant homage to Irish heritage, titled ‘The Custom House Stamped in Time’. It serves as a clever visual history of the "Evolution of Irish Currency," perfectly situated near the former hub of trade and taxation.
The second cabinet offers a delightful trick of the eye. It is cleverly disguised as a classic green An Post postbox. The trompe-l'œil effect is charming, bringing a smile to the face of passers-by who might momentarily mistake the utility box for a place to post their letters. The style across both works is distinct, engaging, and clearly the work of a talented hand.
The Search for an Identity
Despite the quality of the work, the signature "mmagswashere" was initially a puzzle.
Naturally, my first port of call was the official Dublin Canvas website, which typically catalogues hundreds of installations and their creators with great diligence. However, my initial searches for the tag drew a blank. There was no artist listed under that alias, leaving me with a classic street art mystery. Was this a new guerrilla artist on the scene, an unlisted alias, or a secret kept from the digital world?
For a time, the trail went cold. But as any photographer knows, patience and persistence are key—both in capturing the perfect light and in uncovering the story behind the subject.
The Mystery Solved
After further investigation and a closer look during my recent shoot, I can finally reveal the solution.
The artist behind these wonderful additions to the Dublin streetscape is Megan Gifford, an American artist and fashion student. Her tag, "mmagswashere," was a playful breadcrumb trail that eventually led to her portfolio.
It is a fascinating glimpse into the world of public art, where a simple signature can spark a mystery and an artist's story can span continents. I am delighted to now correctly credit Megan Gifford for her contribution. It serves as a great reminder to all of us exploring the city: pause, look closer, and remember that there is always a story behind the art that colours our streets.
Key Information
Artist: Megan Gifford (Tag: mmagswashere)
Artwork Title: The Custom House Stamped in Time
Location: Custom House, Dublin
Photography: William Murphy (Infomatique/Photonique)
Gear: Leica Q3