Judy Darragh is widely proclaimed the Queen of Kitsch. Born in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Competitive Plastics marks a jubilant homecoming for Darragh – an artist who is renowned for her sculptural assemblages, collage, video, photography, and poster art. 
 
To mark the opening of this exhibition, CoCA welcomes you to join the artist and curator, Heather Galbraith, for a conversation about the exhibition and the ideas that shaped the installation.
 
This talk will take place in Ō Raki Mair Gallery.  
 
Attendees will need to scan in for contact tracing, show a Vaccine Pass, wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. 
  

Judy Darragh ONZM (b. 1957 Ōtautahi) is renowned for sculptural assemblages, collage, video, photography, and poster art. During 1980s, Darragh’s trademark, eclectic iconoclasm modeled a critical position in response to rampant materialism and free-market reforms. In 2004 Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand mounted the survey and catalogue Judy Darragh: So... you made it?. Darragh lives in Tāmaki Makaurau and was central to the development of Artspace Aotearoa, and artist-run spaces Teststrip and Cuckoo. She has been an educator and mentored many artists. Darragh is the co-editor of Femisphere, a publication supporting women’s art practices. She continues to exhibit throughout Aotearoa and her works are held in major public collections.
 
Heather Galbraith (b. 1970, Tāmaki Makaurau) is a curator, writer and educator. Initially an artist, Galbraith undertook an MA in Curating at Goldsmiths’ College. Exhibitions Organiser at Camden Arts Centre, London for seven years, she had held senior roles at City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and Whiti o Rehua School of Art, Massey University, where she is now Professor. Galbraith has a long association with New Zealand at the Venice Biennale, and was Managing Curator SCAPE Public Art, Ōtautahi (2016—2018). At Westlake Girls High School, Galbraith had an inspirational sixth-form art teacher, Judy Darragh.