Aquanaut by Mike Maka in Melbourne

Mike is a painter and multidisciplinary artist working across various media, including large-scale murals, canvas, illustration, and sculptures. Mike moved to New York in his early 20’s, spending five years immersed in its vibrant art scene—a period that sparked a globe-trotting journey. His work has taken him across the world, from painting on the Berlin Wall to the banks of the River Ganges, to Brazilian Favelas to deep into Australian Aboriginal communities. His art explores a world where nature pushes back against humanity’s relentless expansion, reclaiming its place from an unsympathetic civilization. By focusing on the tension between human, animal, and machine, Maka delivers a powerful message—urging us to step beyond the concrete jungle and reconnect with nature, and with the wildness within ourselves. A long time member of Everfresh Studio, Mike has exhibited extensively across Australia and internationally. His work is held in both private and public collections worldwide, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Sandrew Collection, and MONA Tasmania. Although known to wander in other dimensions, Mike is based between New York City and Melbourne, Australia.