Elected 2021

www.nigelsmithart.com

Gallery

Nigel Smith - Selected Exhibitions

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My work is predominantly abstract. I think of it as ‘dreamscapes’—part memory, part imagination, part observation. Beginning with images of natural elements the works progress through a process where I apply multiple layers over a long period of time. I then scratch and sand back to reveal temporarily hidden elements that then inspire further layers to be added. I like the juxtaposition of random marks made by dripping, spraying etc in conjunction with more considered techniques and details. 

The aim is to create a piece that questions our interpretation of the way we interact with the seemingly mundane. To me there is a sublime mystery to be found within observations of everyday life. If this is seen as mysterious or hard to read then that enhances the feeling I’m looking to achieve. I enjoy the challenge of trying to represent impermanence and the flow of life through the medium of a ‘fixed’ painted image.

My main contemporary influences are Cruz Jimenez, Darren Waterston, Peter Doig, Chris Rivers, Max Gimblett, Olafur Eliasson, Gerda Leenards, Fiona Rae and John Walsh. My strongest historical influences are Monet, Turner, Bosch, Miro, Zao Wou-Ki and Chu Teh Chun. In 2011 I was privileged to study with Max Gimblett. I studied with Andrew Barns-Graham from 2010-2013 and Cruz Jimenez from 2013-2016. I also studied Chinese brush painting with Wei Lin Ha.

I was born in Kent, UK and have lived in London, Leicester and Auckland, New Zealand. I studied Graphic Design and worked as a designer for 25 years, juggling running a design practice with painting and exhibiting my art. Gradually the art has taken over from the design and I’ve been a full time artist since 2016. 

Nigel Smith - Selected Exhibitions

Nigel Smith

2021
Art House Leicester - online exhibition, June 2021

2020
Loughton Society of Artists -  online exhibition summer 2020

2018
Sock Gallery, Open 2018 -  Loughborough
Cank Street Gallery, Summer Open Exhibition - Leicester
Art House Leicester - June 2018

2017
Sock Gallery, Open 2017 - Loughborough
Art House Leicester - June 2017
Depot Artspace, Where shall we call home?
- Devenport, Auckland, New Zealand, May 2017
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple - East Tamaki, Auckland NZ
Uxbridge Gallery, Estuary Award 2015 Selected finalist - Howick, Auckland, NZ

2015
Te Tuhi, Nigel Smith Solo Showcase -  Pakuranga, Auckland, NZ, March 2015
WInner, oil category: Open Award 2014 -  Te Tuhi, Pakuranga, Auckland, NZ
Studio One, RAW5  -  Ponsonby, Auckland, NZ, Nov 2015

2014
Depot Artspace - Devonport, Auckland, NZ, March 2014
Depot Artspace, Three Worlds Collide – Devonport, Auckland, NZ, Feb 2014
Depot Artspace, Strike 2  - group show for Amnesty International - Devonport, Auckland, NZ, Mar

2013
Museum of the Vernacular, Strike – Devonport, Auckland, NZ. Feb 2013

2012
TF Studio, RAW2 –  Auckland, NZ, Dec 2012
House of Hedone, RAW –  Auckland, NZ, Oct 2012