Born in Montrose, Victoria on August 29th, 1984, Matt Adnate immersed himself in urban street culture during his youth, embracing graffiti, music, fashion, and skateboarding.
After completing school, he adopted the name 'Adnate,' inspired by Italian poet Dante Alighieri. His passion for art was ignited.
Adnate's career in street art began when a local Real Estate commissioned him to paint a mural in North Melbourne. This initial project led to further commissions in Carlton's Lygon Street precinct, where he depicted Tuscan landscapes and iconic Italian imagery.
In 2007, Adnate moved to Barcelona, Spain, immersing himself in the city's vibrant street art scene. Collaborating with The AWOL Crew from 2006 to 2014, he produced large-scale murals across Melbourne suburbs, blending abstraction, portraiture, and surrealism.
Adnate's reputation grew, leading to international opportunities in Germany, India, South Africa, and the USA. Throughout his travels, he developed a deep connection with indigenous peoples, incorporating their stories of resilience into his work.
Before painting portraits of First Nations individuals, Adnate consults community elders for guidance, often conducting workshops to empower local artists.
Notable projects include a twenty-story mural in Collingwood, Melbourne, celebrating multiculturalism, and a mega-mural for The Adnate hotel in Perth.
Adnate's work is showcased globally, from the streets of London, Paris, and New York to galleries in Berlin, Barcelona, and Melbourne, reflecting his commitment to cultural exchange and social justice.