February 21, 2020

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HOME: A Stay-at-Home Mural Festival for our Planet was a global, open call for artists to paint murals in the safety of their homes while sheltering in place due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I participated with artists all around the world and transformed our drab white walls at our homes into visionary canvases for a brighter future. In response to COVID-19, and in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22), HOME became the world’s first stay-at-home environmental mural festival.

Titled: If we had wings
The civet, pangolin, and white rhino are endangered species that have been pushed near the brink of extinction. The illegal animal trade, hunting and poaching of these species for food, medicinal, and decorative use will wipe out the species if we do not take action into stopping these atrocities against nature. Some of them have hid amongst the bats and even amongst the snakes in isolation from humans. Seldom have they been sighted yet when they return the are still hunted and poached. I illustrated these animals with wings that represent their freedom and the ability to flee from the actions of human impact. Now more than ever the balance of nature has been disrupted and we are all paying the toll due to these actions.

April 15, 2019

In support of launching the new arts program EVarts in East Village, San Diego, California I created a transcendental abstract mural at the Quartyard SD venue.  The growing arts movement in San Diego became a catalyst earlier in my career so I returned to support their growth in programs and public art.  A huge event followed along with an awesome performance by one of my favorite groups Sure Fire Soul Ensemble.  Overall the event was a success and I am grateful to take part in the launching of the EVarts program.

April 10, 2017

During the first Annual Hawaii Tattoo Expo on Maui, Hawaii I was honored to live paint a portrait of Kahu Keliʻi Makua. He comes from a long lineage of traditional Hawaiian Tap Tattooing.  During our conversations he explained the importance and understanding of each individual pattern may reflect upon those bearing them.  It was an eye opening experience to hear his journey after having recently graduated under the apprenticeship of the highly respected Suluʻape Keone Nunes.  Not only was it an honor to paint his portrait but also an honor to work amongst them during the Expo.  I was able to step back and look at the painting during breaks and turn around to watch him tap.  Mahalo to Keliʻi and his beautiful wife Sunnie along with the rest of his Ohana for allowing me to do this work.  Also Mahalo to Danny from Pacific Ink and Art Expo for allowing me to participate in this historic event.

Aloha. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and The Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program welcome you to experience “The Cities Under the Sea.” This mural recalls my journey of enlightenment as I witnessed the relationships between the inhabitants of the thriving reefs at Kapalua.

“The  colorful Moano (manybar goatfish) and He’e (Octopus) made an odd couple as they partner to hunt for food in the crevices of the reef. Meanwhile, I observed the Hinalea (Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse) offer a cleansing of algae and plankton from the bodies of the larger fish such as the ‘humuhumunukunukuapu’a’a (Trigger Fish).  The Honu (green sea turtle) was seen under the reef shelf and appeared totally at peace as he swam by me as if to say aloha…welcome to our world.”

Mankind and the creatures of the ocean can work together to sustain a beautiful environment.

“Everything is Connected”

Matthew Agcolicol

Artist & member – The Ocean Futures Society