About

Lucas Murnaghan portrait by Matt Manhire

Lucas Murnaghan was an extraordinary artist whose captivating work pushed the boundaries of surf and adventure photography. Born in Toronto and raised in Ottawa, Canada, Murnaghan pursued a career in medicine, earning his medical degree from Queen's University and completing his orthopaedic surgical training at The University of British Columbia. Despite his demanding profession, he maintained a passion for photography, which he honed over the years, eventually leading him to focus on the underwater medium.

Murnaghan's unique approach involved immersing himself in the water and capturing his subjects from within. As an accomplished triathlete and free diver, he eschewed additional SCUBA equipment, allowing him to connect more intimately with his subjects and produce images with a heightened level of intimacy. His collection, "Beneath the Surface," explored male vulnerability and confidence in the underwater realm, providing a fresh perspective on a challenging medium and inviting his audience to explore themselves in a parallel universe.

Murnaghan's impact extended beyond his creative pursuits, as he remained an active member of Toronto's LGBTQ, medical, and surf communities. His legacy of excellence, adventure, and exploration inspired a large and loyal following, and his art continues to captivate audiences with its ethereal quality. In February 2021, Murnaghan was diagnosed with a rare cholangiocarcinoma while shooting big waves on Oahu's North Shore. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 23rd, at the age of 45, in his home in Toronto, surrounded by loved ones.

Despite his untimely passing, Murnaghan's legacy lives on through his unpublished work, which his partner, Antonio Lennert, continues to release posthumously. 

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