Niall Taggart was born in Omagh, Northern Ireland in 1989. He graduated from Bath Spa University in 2011 with a 1st class BA in Fine Art Painting. Since graduating he has been working full time on his paintings and exhibiting within Ireland and the U.K. Niall currently lives and works in Ireland after spending time working and exhibiting in Australia.

Artist Statement

My artistic journey is a tapestry woven from the threads of local people, places, literature, pop culture, and music. Through the mediums of painting, drawing, and illustration, I strive to capture the essence of the world that surrounds me and reimagine it through my unique lens. 

I draw inspiration from the people and places that form the backdrop of my life. Whether it’s the faces I see on my daily commute or the streets that wind through my home, I seek to breathe life into the familiar and make it extraordinary. I believe that in the ordinary, we can find the extraordinary, and I aim to reveal the hidden beauty in the everyday. 

Literature, pop culture, and music are my constant companions, providing the soundtrack and stories that fuel my creativity. These influences infuse my work with layers of meaning and connection, allowing me to bridge the gap between the visual and the emotional. My art is a conversation with the world around me, a dialogue with the books I’ve read, the songs I’ve heard, and the stories I’ve seen on screens big and small. 

Colour, style, technique, and texture are the tools I employ to transform the commonplace into something evocative. Each stroke of the brush, each line on the page, and each shade of colour is carefully chosen to convey the emotions and memories that dwell within me. Through these elements, I aim to provoke a visceral response in the viewer, inviting them to explore the layers of meaning in each piece. 

My art is deeply influenced by my working-class upbringing, a world where hard work and resilience were the currency of survival. It’s a testament to the strength and spirit of those who persevere through adversity. Nostalgia for times gone by also weaves its way into my work, capturing the sentimentality of the past and the yearning for simpler days. Yet, in this reflection, I find the beauty of continuity and change, a testament to the enduring human spirit. 

My mission as an artist is to create a visual symphony that resonates with the soul. Through my paintings, drawings, and illustrations, I aim to inspire others to pause, reflect, and appreciate the richness of the world we often take for granted. I hope to connect with people on a profound level, evoking emotions, sparking memories, and fostering a shared appreciation for the beauty in the everyday. Each creation is a brushstroke in the larger canvas of life, a testament to the power of art to illuminate the human experience.