Dún Laoghaire-based spray-paint artist John Green, known professionally as Johnman, is documenting his glioblastoma diagnosis on Instagram at @johnmansjourney after undergoing extensive brain tumor surgery at Beaumont Hospital, sharing his physical setbacks and family priorities as reported by The Irish Times.
“You can’t stare death in the face and not feel sad about it. But I’m determined to remain upbeat and positive,” John Green told The Irish Times regarding his malignant aggressive brain tumor diagnosis.
What to Know About the Artist’s Journey
- John Green, a 49-year-old English-born artist residing in Blackrock, County Dublin, shares his daily struggles and medical setbacks on Instagram to leave a legacy for his 10-year-old son, Sam.
- The artist has faced significant physical hurdles since his surgery, including a blood clot in his lung while visiting Galway, loss of driving privileges, and a decline in physical stamina.
- Despite stepping away from food manufacturing in 2018 to pursue art full-time, Green plans to feature his work at the upcoming Art Source fair at the RDS from November 13th to 15th.
Documenting Brain Cancer Through Instagram
Following his extensive tumor removal procedure at Beaumont Hospital, the 49-year-old creator began recording candid video updates in a small hospital family room. High steroid doses kept his mind active during early morning hours, prompting him to use social media as an efficient communication channel for friends and relatives.
Having previously built an online audience under his @johnmanspraycan handle, Green used digital platforms to process his medical realities. His public updates do not shy away from severe health obstacles, including a blood clot in his lung that required immediate hospitalization during a holiday in Galway.
Physical Decline Limits Johnman's Artistic Capabilities
The self-taught artist, who adopted the moniker Johnman in 2011 during a wave of urban art popularity inspired by Bristol creator Banksy, now faces limits on his physical capabilities. Though his hair has grown back and masked outward signs of illness, Green relies on a Hidden Disability badge and a Jam (Just A Minute) card to use public transit and daily tasks.
“The only time I get really emotional and struggle is when I think about Sam,” Green told The Irish Times, emphasizing that his primary motivation centers on his wife, health economist Siobhan Browne, and their young son.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Tumor Diagnosis | Glioblastoma diagnosed in March |
| Key Exhibition | Art Source at the RDS, November 13th–15th |
| Notable Murals | Crimean Cannon (Patrick Street) and Saol agus Grá (Musgrave Street) |
From Redundancy to Dún Laoghaire Murals
Before establishing his footprint in Irish urban art with prominent Dún Laoghaire street pieces like Crimean Cannon and Saol agus Grá, Green worked in fresh food produce. Unhappy with his work-life balance, he took redundancy in 2018 to focus entirely on hand-cut stencils and vivid spray-paint creations.
His portfolio extends to outdoor utility boxes across Dublin, including Embrace the Rain at Stillorgan Shopping Centre, alongside animal-themed installations on Mount Merrion Avenue and Leopardstown Avenue. While the sudden passing of his father on New Year’s Day in 2023 temporarily halted his visual art inspiration, Green has since channeled his creative energy into playing the guitar and writing poetry.
“I’m at peace with myself,” Green reflected. “I look back at my life and I feel it has been f**king brilliant. I’ve been blessed.”
