BRITAIN may have Bansky, but here in Fermanagh we have our very own guerilla artist leaving his mark across the county.
Kevin McHugh has once again brought a little bit of magic to local streets, with his latest stunning mural, ‘Conn-Eda and the Golden Apples of Lough Erne.’
Unlike Banksy, Kevin isn’t anonymous and has been painting outdoors for over 15 years.
While some of his more well-known work has been in the county town, often commissioned by Experience Ennisillen, he has also spent many years bringing art to our rural roads and bus stops, usually as part of his collaboratoin with the ever-active Sliabh Beagh Arts group.
Kevin McHugh has been working on bus shelters across Fermanagh.
Kevin’s latest mural is on Forthill Street. It’s inspired by a famous local legend.
“I wanted to capture the essence and energy of the saga,” Kevin said. “Instead of every detail, I aimed for a bold, dynamic illustration that really jumps off the wall.”
Kevin has worked on over 40 projects in Fermanagh. These include powerful memorials, spray-painted fields, and colourful bus shelters.
The bus shelters, in particular, have been a hit.
“Everyone embraces their bus shelter,” he explained. “It creates pride and ownership.”
Art for everyone
Kevin’s goal is simple, to bring art to the community.
“We paint fields, bus shelters, and barn walls so everyday people can see something beautiful without visiting galleries,” Kevin said.
“It’s about making art visible and accessible.”
Kevin’s journey started 15 years ago when Donna Bannon, coordinator of Sliabh Beagh Arts, called him about a project.
“She asked if I wanted to do reverse graffiti, painting a dirty wall by cleaning parts of it,” he recalled. “I said cool, but how, she said, ‘I have no idea.’ And that’s how it went from then on.”
Kevin is renowned for his fine detail and standout creative talents.
Kevin said he loves the challenge. “It’s out of your comfort zone, but you learn. You might not get it perfect the first time, but the next time it gets better.” Kevin credits Donna for keeping projects alive. “She’s the centre of it all, she’s amazing.”
Collaborating with other artists has also been a highlight. “I usually work alone, but this makes me social. We bounce ideas off each other, and sometimes think it won’t work but then it does.”
Kevin’s art isn’t just paint. It’s pride, creativity, and community all rolled into one. Look around Fermanagh long enough and you’re sure to come across some of his masterpieces.