Last year, while waiting for a haircut at Nelson’s Hair Studio in Niagara Falls, I met Kirk Maragh. He came in with a gift for the shop’s owner, Nelson Thomas: one of his stunning original paintings. Captivated by its vibrant landscapes and rich colors, I struck up a conversation with Kirk and learned he was a combat Army veteran who fell in love with art as a child — much like my father, a Korean War veteran who also enjoyed sketching and painting.
Kirk opened his cell phone to show me his stunning artworks, each more breathtaking than the last. It was immediately clear that his talent deserved to be in the spotlight. Fast forward to February 2024 — after I introduced him to Ray Robertson, one of two gallery directors at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center (NACC) and curator of its prestigious annual “Artist of Color Exhibit,” Kirk made his dazzling debut among other talented Western New York artists of color.
Let’s dive into a conversation with Kirk Maragh.
Q: Was there a particular moment or event that sparked your interest in art?
A: When I was 5 or 6 years old, I was raking leaves in my grandfather’s yard, and I started to doodle in the dirt. Before I knew it, what I was thinking about was drawn on the ground. When I think about something or see something, I want to put it somewhere for everyone to see, it’s a feeling of joy to me.
Q: Your artwork primarily features lively scenes of Jamaica’s natural beauty. How has your Jamaican heritage influenced your art style?
A: Being Jamaican, I grew up with beautiful colors all around me, so it’s natural that my artwork reflects my heritage. I love doing landscape painting, sunrises, and sunsets. Most of my paintings are pieces from my life, while others are from conversations I’ve had with people about places they’ve been. Especially when it interests me to the point that I can almost see it.
Q: As a veteran, have your experiences influenced your art? If so, how?
A: As a veteran of the US Army, I was able to travel to quite a few places and I’ve seen some beautiful landscapes, mountains, deserts, forests and oceans.
Q: What range of emotions do you intend to convey through your artwork?
A: I would like people to feel a sense of calm and peace when they look at my work. I want them to feel like they are physically in my painting when viewing my work. This is how I feel when I’m painting.
Q: Can you describe the process of creating one of your paintings?
A: I usually like to be alone when I’m painting. My phone is turned off, but I have to have my music on. I listen to everything.
Q: What did it mean to you to have your work exhibited at the Artist of Color exhibit at the NACC?
A: To have my work hung in a gallery was surreal, a real dream come true. I never thought that my work was good enough for public viewing or that anyone would purchase it.
Q: You are an artist featured in the NACC’s “Winter 2024 Exhibitions.” How has your art changed since your first exhibition?
A: Since my first exhibition, my work has gotten better because of the warm feedback I’ve gotten from people and the research I’ve been doing online. I’ve learned about the impact of getting better quality medium and art equipment. I’m always learning new techniques and how to use my medium to its full potential.
Q: Are there any artists who have particularly influenced your work?
A: No artist particularly influenced my work but I’m a fan of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”
Q: What’s it like to paint with your young granddaughter, and how has that experience influenced your art?
A: It’s amazing to paint beside my 4-year-old granddaughter. It’s always a place of happiness in my heart and soul. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have started painting again. Before I started painting with my granddaughter in January 2023, I had not painted since 1988. She awakens a part of me that was asleep for many years. I will forever be grateful for that gift, and I plan to nourish it to the fullest extent possible.
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The NACC will present its Winter 2024 exhibitions, curated by gallery directors Ray Robertson and Dana Tyrell. These exhibitions include “Members and Friends 2024”, Miggie Wong’s “Inscape of Migratory,” and Kirk Maragh’s debut solo exhibit, “Kirk’s Nature.” You can view the works of all the artists on the first floor of the NACC starting Monday and running through Jan. 18. A reception recognizing these exceptional artists is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 7.