If you would like to hear about how Nick started his career as an artist and more about his upcoming exhibition with Rhodes Contemporary Art click this link
PIONEERS exhibition announcement
We are delighted to announce the highly anticipated new exhibition by Nick Smith
PIONEERS
Exhibition Dates:
22nd October - 28th November, 2020
The exhibition explores and remasters canonised North American art and culture, from Grant Wood, Edward Hopper and Chuck Close to The Simpsons. It is a celebration of iconic American art and design, and how a simple bottle of Coca-Cola has intertwined with art, design history and culture.
The exhibition will feature a new series of works Nick Smith created over the past year. Thematically, the exhibition explores and remasters canonised North American art and culture, from Grant Wood, Edward Hopper and Chuck Close to The Simpsons. It is a celebration of iconic American art and design, and how a simple bottle of Coca-Cola has intertwined with art, design history and culture.
North America has great resonance with Smith. His deep-rooted fascination began in early childhood. He coveted the exotic and glamorous American fashion labels his friends brandished after returning from the States. Notably, with an increasing demand for his works in the States, Smith’s American market continues to grow. After the success of his Purgatory show at Context Art Miami last December, Smith is set to have his first solo show in New York in 2021, which was cancelled this year when the border closed.
In this series, Smith incorporates his method of word-colour associations he has coined “psycolourgy”, combining text and image to create intriguing and provocative collaged works. On the surface, we see colour-chips that playfully pixelate iconic artwork and popular culture, but if we step closer, the image is abstracted and the words become readable. Each pixel corresponds to a word, creating either complimentary or subversive meanings.
Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity Auction 27th September
Good cause alert!
On the 27th September, 60 works of art from some of the world’s leading urban and contemporary artists raising funds for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity go under the hammer with McTear’s auction house.
I’ve donated ENVY (Lot 656), an original collaged work from my 2019 Purgatory series. You can find a link in my bio to place your bid for any of the 60 amazing works donated by many names you’ll know well. You can find the charity lots… 631 on page 6 through to lot 692 on page 8.
“The Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity relies entirely on donations and fundraising to fund life-changing services – projects like the hospital Play Programme, family support and bereavement services, and paediatric research”
All credit to Steve McGill for setting up this auction in a time when we need to ensure that we can continue being there beyond Covid-19 with crucial services for sick children
LOT 656
The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction, 27th September 2020 13:00 BST
NICK SMITH (SCOTTISH CONTEMPORARY)
ENVY 2019
326 Colour chip collage
75cm x 63cm
Framed and under glass
New Print release - Jonah and the Whale
Following the earlier success of the original collage on paper, “Jonah and the Whale” is being released as a small edition of 50 prints with Samuel Owen Gallery in Nantucket.
Inspired by the rich nautical history of Nantucket, the whaling capital of the world during the late 18th and early 19th century, this larger than life print recounts the harrowing story of Jonah and the Whale.
Measuring 36 x 38 inches, this limited edition giclee is printed on Canson Rag Photographique 310 gsmpaper with a screen printed varnish over the colour blocks. Each print is signed, numbered and embossed.
$750
(excluding shipping)
Available from Samuel Owen Gallery
on
Tuesday 25th August at 12:00 noon EST
ENQUIRIES
https://samuelowen.com
Nantucket, MA
40 Centre Street
Nantucket, MA
02554
508-680-1445
info@samuelowen.com
New Print release - American Gothic
Nick presents his latest print edition inspired by Grant Wood's classic 'American Gothic'.
Measuring 70 x 83 cm, this limited edition giclee is printed on Canson Rag Photographique 310 gsm paper with a screen printed varnish over the colour blocks. Each print is signed, numbered edition of 150 and embossed.
“Every country has a Mona Lisa. When I think of the US... it has to be Grant Wood's American Gothic.”
Psycolourgy
Noun: Using word / colour association to create text within art.
"Using Psycolourgy allows the greatest expression of my personality. My thoughts, memories and opinions, influenced by my current social, emotional and geographical experiences, bleed into the work as each colour conjures its name. At the time of this work’s conception, I happened to be in the 2020 lockdown, with additional family members, fairly isolated, on the West Coast of Scotland.
My piece presents a subtle palette of subdued natural colours. Peaceful at first glance, much like the source artwork, but upon closer investigation, the text reveals some uneasy associations." - Nick Smith
£395.00
(excluding shipping)
Available from Rhodes Contemporary Art
on
Wednesday 12th August at 4pm (BST)
Nick Smith exhibits at Paul Smith, Albemarle Street, London
Nick has been invited to exhibit at Paul Smith’s global flagship store located on Albemarle Street, London. In amongst the eclectic mix of rare furniture sourced from around the world and Paul Smith’s men’s and women’s collections, you will discover a carefully curated selection of art. Nick’s Psalm series is available to view in person, Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 18:00
NICK SMITH 'NHS BLUE' HARING DOG ORIGINAL
NHS CHARITY RAFFLE
IN COLLABORATION WITH RHODES CONTEMPORARY ART
Nick Smith x Rhodes' x NHS Charity Raffle
Hello Everyone,
With the widespread COVID-19 pandemic still ever present in our daily lives, we are all doing everything we can to help those we love and care for, even if that's by simply staying at home.
With that in mind, it was decided we should do something more. So, after a quick chat, we agreed we should collaborate with Rhodes Contemporary Art to present a special charity raffle of a unique original artwork; with every penny going straight to NHS Charities Together.
The artwork we are raffling is a specially created, unique, original Nick Smith 'Haring Dog' presented in the distinctive NHS Blue colour with an accompanying signed hand-written note by the artist as well as full provenance backed by the gallery.
The image is taken from my sold out ‘Haring Dog’ print released last year, and all you have to do to have a chance of winning is donate a very small, but significant, £20 per entry. The money is literally going from you to NHS Charities Together via JustGiving.
As with any raffle the more tickets you buy, the greater chance you have to win!
To enter, donate £20 via the link below, and you will be entered into a draw.
The winner will be chosen at random and contacted on Tuesday 12th May.
100% of the proceeds will go to NHS Charities together
(Charity Registration No. 1186569)
Note: Once your donation has gone through, tick the box alongside “I'm happy to be contacted by Rhodes”. JustGiving can then share your contact details with us and we can contact you if you have won the artwork.
Gallery staff will be donating to the cause, but will not be entered into the draw to win.
Good Luck!
"30 years ago, Keith Haring died from an incurable virus. 30 years later we have another incurable virus turning our lives upside down. Thankfully we have the NHS to ease that suffering. This Haring Dog original 1 of 1 collage on paper in 'NHS Blue' is looking for a new home and the proceeds from this raffle will go towards supporting the NHS in the fight against Covid 19"
- Nick Smith
'Gluttony' - Nelly Duff Print release
Sugar coated and sticky sweet, Nick’s latest edition is as irresistible as the doughy treats themselves. Painstakingly built from over 350 individually selected colours, Smith (in signatures style) modifies every chip with new captions, which when put together read as an extract from 14th century Italian poet, Dante Alighieri’s ‘Purgatorio’ – the second part of his acclaimed ‘Divine Comedy’.
What better representation of gluttony than the fabulously pretty-in-pink donut? (sprinkles and all) Finger stickingly moreish, A highly limited number of Smith’s new edition is available in ‘Diamond Dust’ (finished with hand applied crushed glass to replicate sprinkles – genius!) to give a little something for all tastes. Only sweet tooths need apply.
Gluttony – Diamond Dust
Edition of:22
Dimensions:100 × 100 cm
Medium:Giclee with Diamond Dust Coating
£1,250.00
Nelly Duff Gallery - Saturday Release
11AM UTC 7TH MAR 2020
Only a highly limited number of each edition will be available, so embrace your inner glutton and be sure to claim your own edition without thinking of the consequences or calories. To be fair, there aren’t really any of either so we can safely say you won’t find yourself in purgatory because of this edition…
Paramour x O Magazine - Issue 1
O Magazine sat down with Nick to discuss his Paramour Series. You can find the article in this months ‘Art Issue’ available here. Well worth a read as there are many other interesting artists to discover in this issue.
O magazine is a delightful tactile, immersive & time consuming publication about sex and love that is provocative yet playful, sensual yet sophisticated, erotic yet tasteful… an intelligent and witty magazine that explores sensuality and sexuality, and journey to the worlds end for desire and fantasy.
Cover of Issue 1
The many talents of Shakespeare
‘Capulets Orchard’ collage on paper
‘Tipping the Velvet’ collage on paper
‘Ourselves Unseen 2017’ Print edition of 99
Next Exhibit - London Art Fair - 21st - 26th January 2020
Nick will be exhibiting with Rhodes Gallery at this years London Art Fair at Stand G03.
PREVIEW EVENING
Tuesday 21 January | 6pm – 9pm
PUBLIC FAIR HOURS
Wednesday 22 January | 11am – 9pm
Thursday 23 January | 11am – 9pm
Friday 24 January | 11am – 7pm
Saturday 25 January | 11am – 7:30pm
Sunday 26 January | 11am – 5pm
'PURGATORY' Opens at CONTEXT Art Miami
Thank you to everyone who came by the booth to say hello, meet Nick and view the new work. In what was the first time Nick Smith has presented a solo show in the United States we're delighted to announce his work was met with a serious and enthusiastic reception by critics, the public and collectors; with nearly 70% of the available works in the show selling to a cross-section of collectors both in the US and South-East Asia.
Boxes arrive for set up.
Pink wall to match pink frames.
Girl with the Pink Earring keeping an eye on things.
A Barbie Girl in a Barbie World
Nick’s Tweed suit > White pants
'PURGATORY' Exhibition at CONTEXT Art Miami 3rd - 8th December
Nick’s next solo exhibition opens in a weeks time at Context Art Fair during Art Miami week. Rhodes Contemporary Art are curating the show and are excited to exhibit a collection of new original works along with a very limited print release.
For all enquiries, please contact info@rhodescontemporaryart.com
CHROMA x Nick Smith
Nick will be exhibiting at Rhodes Contemporary Gallery group exhibition. Head down to Soho, London to see what’s on the wall. You can read more about the exhibition here
'PINCHED' in the press
Take a look at the links below for articles covering Smith’s latest exhibition ‘PINCHED’
PINCHED exhibition now open at Rhodes Contemporary, London
Thank you to all who came out to my Private View last night. What a joy to see familiar faces and meet new ones while sharing stories of lost and found artworks. The after party at the Groucho with old friends never disappoints!… A big thank you to Rhodes Contemporary gallery for hosting my latest show in their newly refurbed gallery space on New Compton St, Soho, London. Now open until June 1st.
PINCHED exhibition by Nick Smith opening soon at Rhodes Contemporary Art
We are delighted and proud to present our forthcoming exhibition PINCHED: a solo show of new works by contemporary conceptual artist Nick Smith.
This new exhibition containing over 20 new original works as well as new limited editions, examines famous artworks stolen throughout history, presenting the reconstructed images along with their idiosyncratic stories.
The show will open with the private view on May, 2nd. The exhibition will run thereafter until 1st June.
If you would like to attend the Private view and drinks reception on the evening of Thursday 2nd May between 6 - 8pm please RSVP to info@rhodescontemporaryart.com
You can view the sales catalogue HERE
About PINCHED:
Smith often uses satire threads in economics, society and pop culture to curate his exhibitions, as previously seen in Priceless, in which he looked at the precariousness of the art market. PINCHED is a continuum of this body of work - his research on art markets leading him to the more abstract area of art theft. Smith is interested in what happens to ideas of value once an artwork has been stolen, as it is almost impossible for this to translate into monetary value.
The theft of the Mona Lisa in the early 1900s from the Louvre is commonly regarded as the first great art heist of the 20th century. This incident saw the dramatic elevation of the artwork in the popular consciousness, creating the phenomena that surrounds it today. Since then there has been a wealth of stories behind such heists as galleries and private collections. PINCHED examines these often surprising, always colourful heists and explores the absence of these works within art history and cultural identity.
The exhibition consists of 20 new works by the artist, with re-workings of infamous, instantly recognisable stolen artworks to some lesser known works by the heavy hitters of art history; including Vermeer’s The Concert (Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum) and Munch’s The Scream (Munch Museum).
Extensive research went into the series, drawing on information collected from media archives, crime reports, CCTV, police statements and the most wanted list of the twentieth century’s biggest art heists.
Using his trademark colour chips, the artist has created specter-like chromatic blurs of images that have remained potent forces despite no longer being available for public consumption. In addition to his unique visual language of colour swatches, Smith presents a confident and playful collection of mixed medium artworks and screen prints highlighting the absurdity and intrigue left in the wake of these heists. The exhibition looks at the void left by these stolen works and how this manifests within public consciousness and cultural history, the material existence of these artworks was only one, and not strictly the crucial, element of meaning.
Napoleon x Nelly Duff x Paris Urban Art Fair
Based on Jacques Louis-David’s iconic 1801 painting of Napoleon crossing the Alps, Smith honours Nelly Duff Gallery’s own journey to Paris Urban Art Fair, presenting his own unique interpretation of one of France’s most notorious leaders combined with text from one of Britain’s best-known figures, Lord Byron.
And Earth hath spilt her blood for him,
Who thus can hoard his own!
And Monarchs bow’d the trembling limb,
And thank’d him for a throne!
Fair Freedom! we may hold thee dear,
When thus thy mightiest foes their fear
In humblest guise have shown.
Oh, ne’er may tyrant leave behind
A brighter name to lure mankind!
Lord Byron, ‘Ode To Napoleon Buonaparte’, 1814
For this 2019 edition, created exclusively for Nelly Duff’s exhibit with Urban Art Fair, the words of Bryon’s infamous ‘Ode to Napoleon’ adorn each carefully selected colour chip to replicate David’s original painting. Each figure respectively commands a mixed reaction to their reputations, both men of great passion and undeniable leaders in their fields, both have been condemned for their gaping flaws; being fabulously egotistical, greedy and vain. David, a revolutionary and admirer of Napoleon created his 1801 artwork to flatter the ever-growing ego of Napoleon, and to convey him as a true and powerful leader. Conversely, Byron’s lengthy and condemning verse written upon Napoleon’s exile tears down his carefully constructed persona.
In a time where political figures rely on well-chosen photo opportunities and overly-curated social media profiles to convey their propriety, Smith’s immense edition contextualises one of the world’s most recognisable personalities within his own contemporary and incredibly slick style. In dissolving the sharp features and details of David’s original painting, while retaining the red, white and blue of the revolutionary Tricolore, Smith visualises the hypocrisies of not only Napoleon, but also contemporary political leaders that hide behind bravado and vanity in the public eye.
‘Napoleon 2019’ will be available to purchase in person only at our stand at Urban Art Fair 2019, and will release online and in store to the general public from 6pm GMT Sunday April 14th.
‘Napoleon 2019’ : ed. of 50, (100cm x 84cm) £395
Flatbed print, with screen printed varnishes
You can purchase this print HERE.
Nick Smith x Kathryn Carter - The Haiku Times
Nick was recently invited by poet Kathryn Carter to collaborate his artwork with her Haiku prose. You can see the product of the collaboration in the 3 works below which have been published in the Haiku Times.
You can read more of Kathryn’s beautiful prose in The Haiku times here
New Nick Smith print - AM90 - Limited edition of 90
Nick presents his latest print edition inspired by international Air Max day. Measuring 46 x 70cm, this limited edition giclee is printed on Somerset Satin 300gsm paper with a screen printed varnish over the colour blocks. Each print is signed, numbered and embossed.
This print is available for purchase online exclusively via Rhodes Contemporary Gallery on Tuesday 26th March at 16:00 GMT using this Link
Close up reading of this print celebrates the creators, influencers & milestones of this iconic shoe, over the 29 years of its colourful, air cushioned history.
Please note: There are no presales for this print launch. This is an online sale on a first come first serve basis only. Many thanks!
PSALMS - Private View
On the evening of Thursday 6th December, Nick previewed his latest show titled ‘Psalms’ at Nelly Duff Gallery on London’s famous Columbia Road. 10 new prints each in an edition of 40 were presented. The work was well received with many of the print editions selling out on the night. Nick would like to thank all who came out on the evening and the Nelly Duff team for putting on such a tasty show. If you would like to snag one of the 3 remaining print editions… click the link
Credit to @raygrams for the photography!