Emil McAvoy is an artist, lecturer, art writer, and gallery and museum professional. His creative practice examines histories and concepts of the cultural roles of artists, critically engaging the artist as medium, activist, citizen and public intellectual. His art work seeks to directly address contemporary cultural and political issues circulating in the public sphere, and manifests in a range of media including photography, video, painting and publishing.

Emil is a lecturer, a freelance art writer, and also works in the wider arts, education and GLAM sectors. He graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Arts from the Auckland University of Technology in 2002, and a Master of Fine Arts (1st Class Hons.) from the Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, 2013.

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He is the recipient of a number of awards and scholarships. He has exhibited, screened and performed work across New Zealand and is represented in public and private collections. His art writing includes essays, reviews and interviews for major publications, galleries and institutions, and a number of artists.