Rakel McMahon is born in 1983 in Reykjavik, Iceland. In 2008 she graduated with a BA degree in Fine Arts from the Iceland Academy of Arts. In 2009 she graduated with a diploma of Applied Gender Studies from the University of Iceland.
She has been active in the Iceland Art scene since her graduation, exhibiting and participating in various cultural events. Her first solo exhibition was Feed Me in Kronkron, in 2009. She is a member and one of five artist running Gallery Crymo. Crymo is a nonprofit artist run gallery centered in heart of Reykjavik, Iceland.