Paul Darragh – My Life As A Creative

Paul Darragh – My Life As A Creative

Paul Darragh will present an overview of his career in art and design, both internationally and in Aotearoa. He will explore the key influences that have shaped his work, analyse significant projects, and offer insights into his creative process. This talk will provide a thoughtful reflection on artistic development, design methodologies, and the broader impact of creative practice.

Biography

Paul Darragh is a visual artist based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. His work encompasses painting, outdoor installations, and sculpture.

Darragh’s formal art education began with studies in Media Arts at Waikato Polytechnic. He later attended the Bachelor of Design program at Massey University, Wellington.

His professional career started in Melbourne as an Art Director in fashion editorial. In 2007, he moved to New York City, working in branding and motion design for the entertainment industry. In 2010, Darragh established his own studio and gallery, “Manhattan Born,” in New York’s East Village.

After a decade in New York, Darragh returned to Aotearoa in 2017 to focus on painting full-time. Since then, he has exhibited throughout the North Island and overseas. He has been selected as a finalist in several national art awards, including the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award, the Adam Art Award, and The Molly Morpeth Canaday Award.

Darragh’s work, informed by his global experiences and rooted in his New Zealand heritage, continues to evolve, contributing to the contemporary art scene both locally and abroad.