Gavan McCullough

Gavan is an Irish-born visual artist whose early fascination with painting, drawing, and photography eventually led him from aeronautical engineering into a full-time creative career. Time spent studying in Pisa and Cremona deeply influenced his sense of colour and form, and it was there that he first began sculpting in clay. His early bronze castings were accepted into the RHA Annual Exhibition in 2002, prompting his transition into professional art.

McCullough has since exhibited regularly, working primarily in clay, bronze, marble, and paint, and has been an active participant in public art competitions. After several years in Berlin’s vibrant art scene, he returned to Ireland in 2008, showing work in galleries along the east coast and continuing his dedication to life-drawing through the RHA Life Sessions and the United Arts Club, Dublin.

His portrait work has earned significant recognition: he was shortlisted for the Hennessy / National Gallery of Ireland Portrait Prize in 2014 and 2016, and for the BP Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery, London, in 2015.