Mads Whelan

Mads Whelan is an illustrator and printmaker based in Toronto, Ontario. Their practice explores physical transformation and manifestations of anxiety through ink in a variety of forms. With both their illustrative and print-based work often intermixing and beginning with a pen on paper, Mads specializes in screen, risograph, and relief printing. They gravitate towards lively colours as a counterbalance to fraught subject matter, particularly pulling inspiration from insects and aposematism in nature. Their current work continues exploring transformation through the manipulation of physical materials via zinemaking.

Mads’ art has been exhibited across Toronto, including shows at Ada Slaight Gallery and Youngplace. Their work was exhibited internationally at various art institutions through The Global Postcard Project 2025. Most notably, Mads released their comic The Molt with award-winning publisher Diskette Press. They were also awarded runner-up in Creative Quarterly 81’s student illustration category.

In 2027, Mads will graduate with a BDes in illustration and a minor in printmaking and publications from OCAD University.