Street to Studio: Exploring New Directions with Minaw Collective
At the end of November, I was really happy to be part of Street to Studio, a group exhibition with the Minaw Collective at Flux Gallery in Dublin.
Running from 27th–30th November 2025, the exhibition brought together Minaw Collective artists whose work is usually seen out on the streets and on large public walls and placed it into a gallery setting. Street to Studio looked at what happens when the Minaw Creative artists move away from outdoor murals and work indoors instead, with more space and time to explore ideas.
Moving beyond paint and gold leaf
For this exhibition, I decided to step away from my usual painted lettering and gold leaf work and try something different. I created a stained glass lightbox, combining typography and light in a way I’ve been increasingly drawn to.
Lettering is still at the core of my work, stained glass just gives me a new way to play with it, especially through light.
Opening night energy
The opening night was brilliant. Flux Gallery was packed, with a lovely mix of familiar faces, fellow artists, and people seeing Minaw’s work for the first time. There was a real buzz in the room and a strong sense of celebration, not just of the exhibition but of how far the collective has come.
I was absolutely delighted that my piece sold on the opening night. Knowing that this new direction connected with someone enough for them to want to live with it was hugely encouraging and it definitely gave me a push to keep developing this kind of work.
From street to studio, and beyond
Street to Studio really highlighted how different studio work can be compared to painting murals. Murals are often created in public, under pressure, with people watching as you work. Studio pieces allow for more experimentation, reflection and space to let ideas unfold.
That freedom is something I want to lean into more. This exhibition has confirmed my interest in continuing to develop stained glass lettering, exploring lightboxes and other illuminated forms as part of my ongoing Signs of Power practice.
About Minaw Collective
Founded in 2013, the Minaw Collective emerged at a time when there were far fewer women visible in street art in Ireland. Built around the idea that “you have to see it to be it”, Minaw has always been about visibility, support, and creating space, not just on walls, but within the wider creative landscape.
The artists exhibiting in Street to Studio were: Anna Doran, Claire Prouvost, Em Blake (ESTR), Friz, Holly Pereira, KinMx, Klo Wi, Loki PookaDubh, MyfanwyNia, Novice Jess, Signs of Power, Zippy, and Zurdie.
Being part of the Minaw Collective has always meant more than just collaboration. It’s about community, shared experience, and not feeling alone in your practice, whether you’re painting a mural in public or working quietly away in the studio.
I look forward to more exhibitions and events with the Minaw Collective in 2026.
