Damien Kurth

Damien Kurth is a Bay of Plenty painter whose work explores the relationship between observation, perception, and meaning. Working primarily in representational painting, he is drawn to the everyday objects and scenes that often go unnoticed, using them as a starting point for deeper visual inquiry.

His paintings balance technical skill with a thoughtful exploration of colour, tone, composition, and surface. Through careful layering and close observation, Damien creates works that invite viewers to slow down and reconsider familiar subjects, revealing new possibilities within the ordinary.

With a background that includes both Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts qualifications, Damien has exhibited throughout Aotearoa and has been recognised in a number of national art awards and exhibitions. His practice continues to investigate how meaning is constructed through images, encouraging moments of reflection and discovery.

For IWA, Damien presents a series of paintings inspired by Matariki themes, interpreting cultural narratives and seasonal connections through his distinctive observational approach.