Nick Smith x Bowie... Charity Auction

I’m excited to share that I’m participating in the inaugural Sound & Vision charity auction, organised by Art on a Postcard, with all proceeds supporting War Child. The brief for this event was to create an artwork inspired by David Bowie's lyrics, and here is my interpretation...

"Electric Blue is a nod to David Bowie’s Sound and Vision, inspired by the lyric, 'electric blue.' After much deliberation, I had a lightbulb moment—it felt like the perfect fit for the exhibition’s brief. I’ve always wanted to create a light box, and this was the ideal opportunity. This piece captures my interpretation of the hue electric blue, with the illumination inviting viewers to experience the vibrant spirit of Bowie’s aura and reflect on the powerful connection between music and visual art.”

Electric Blue
75x50x16cm
Plug in wall mounted lightbox
2024 Original artwork
LOT 26 - Starting bid £3,200

Please note:

  • Sound & Vision  will close as an Individual Lot Auction: each lot has its own closing time and is not affected by bids on any other lots in the auction

  • The auction will close 1st October, the first lot closing at 2pm

  • Buyers Fees: This auction has a fixed buyer's fee of £23 per lot, which is added onto the total when you check out. This cost covers insured shipping for international and domestic orders

 

Sound & Vision will be exhibited at 180 Strand from September 26th to 27th, and the auction will run from September 17th to October 1st.

Note: Hammer price was £3,800

Coming Soon - New print edition 'Bloom'

Bloom is my latest print release, created in collaboration with Rhodes Editions and launching alongside my upcoming exhibition at Rhodes Gallery, Provence. This piece is particularly meaningful to me because it bridges the past and present, weaving together my early encounters with Van Gogh’s art and my current exploration of his influence.

As a child, I was mesmerised by Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the National Gallery in London. I can still remember sitting there with a yellow pencil, sharpening it over and over as I tried to capture the energy of those blooms. It was my introduction to the world of art, and that feeling of wonder has never faded. Bloom is my way of paying homage to that memory, but also reimagining it.

In Bloom, I’ve integrated the full text of a letter Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo, dated 9th September 1888. In this letter, Van Gogh talks about decorating his home in Arles, planning to fill the walls with paintings of large yellow sunflowers. He writes with such warmth and care, imagining how his space would be shared with others. His words aren’t just about the paintings—they’re about creating a place filled with light, art, and connection. Here’s a passage from the letter:

"The room you’ll stay in then, or which will be Gauguin’s if Gauguin comes, will be hung with paintings of large yellow sunflowers on its white walls... You’ll see these big paintings of bouquets of 12 or 14 sunflowers stuffed into this little boudoir with a pretty bed and everything else elegantly done. It will be special."

My approach to Bloom isn’t simply to replicate Van Gogh’s sunflowers, but to take his original vision and build upon it. By incorporating the letter into the piece, I want to invite viewers to experience Van Gogh’s work from a new angle. It’s about more than just the image of the sunflowers—it’s about understanding the man behind them, his thoughts, and the world he was trying to create.

This print stands as both an homage and a reinterpretation, much like the rest of the Provence exhibition. In my work, I aim to break down the familiar compositions of Van Gogh’s paintings and reassemble them in a way that adds abstraction and modernity, while still holding on to the emotional core of the originals. With Bloom, it’s about creating a dialogue between past and present, between Van Gogh’s vision and my own interpretation.

As a final touch, I’ve decided to sign this edition of the print in blue—a little nod to the shade Van Gogh used when signing his own paintings, adding a personal connection to the master himself.

I’m excited to announce that Bloom will be available on the dedicated Rhodes Editions drop-site on 26th September at 4pm (BST). I’m looking forward to sharing this piece with you as part of Provence at Rhodes Gallery. It’s a journey through memory, art, and inspiration, and I hope it invites you to see Van Gogh—and my work—through a fresh lens.

BLOOM, 2024

Giclée with Screenprinted Varnish Overlay on Arches 88 310gsm
Signed, Dated and Numbered in Blue Pencil by the Artist
With the Artist's and Rhodes Editions Blindstamp
Hand-torn Deckled Edge

78 x 60 cm
30 3/4 x 23 5/8 in

Edition of 99

£ 800.00

PROVENCE Exhibition at RHODES project room

I’m pleased to announce my upcoming exhibition at the Rhodes Project Room, where I’ll be delving into the paintings and letters Van Gogh created during his final years in Provence.

The exhibition will feature five new original collages, along with a new print. The show opens on September 13th, with a Private View on Thursday, September 12th, from 6-8pm, alongside Morag Caister.

‘Nick Smith’s latest exhibition at the RHODES Project Room in Provence pays a striking tribute to Vincent van Gogh’s iconic works, reimagined through Smith’s signature pixelated colour chip collages. The exhibition, titled Provence, captures the essence of southern France’s picturesque landscapes, evoking the late summer days and vivid hues that inspired much of Van Gogh’s work during his time in the region.’

PANAME exhibition 3rd - 25th May at Rhodes gallery, London

I thought I’d fill you in a little more about my current exhibition at Rhodes as it heads into its final week…

At the age of 16, during a school trip that introduced me to the art within its renowned museums, I fell in love with Paris. That unforgettable experience remains a highlight of my youth. It took another decade before I could return, and since then, I've made countless trips back. With each visit, I eagerly immerse myself in the city's rich tapestry of art, wandering my favourite galleries and museums; a flâneur on a never-ending carousel, with my youthful love rekindled.

After nine years as a full-time artist, I've channelled my passion into curating an exhibition centred around Parisian art. This collection includes works not only physically located in or created by French artists but also pieces deeply connected to the essence of this magnificent city. The aim of this exhibition is to assemble the most iconic Paris-related works in a single space—an endeavour nearly impossible with the actual artworks due to logistical and preservation concerns. Instead, through my reinterpretations, I offer viewers a unique opportunity to experience these celebrated pieces of Parisian art together, in one space.

My recent journey to Paris in January was driven by a singular mission: to carefully select the artworks for this exhibition, forming what has become a personal hall of fame. I studied each piece in depth, absorbing the colours and scale, to accurately capture their essence before reinterpreting them in my studio. Traveling alone, I mingled with locals in bars and bistros, encountering many fascinating folk. It was during one of these interactions that I learned the term 'Paname,' an affectionate slang for Paris. Instantly, I knew I had found the perfect title for the exhibition, and fittingly, it began with a 'P'.

This exhibition is a bridge connecting the past and present through the lens of Parisian art. As an ode to Paris and its iconic artworks, this exhibition reflects my personal interpretation and artistic vision, offering visitors an immersive experience into the art that has shaped and inspired countless generations.

You can view the exhibition catalogue by clicking the button below. All enquiries to be directed at info@rhodescontemporaryart.com

January in Paris

PANAME solo exhibition opens at Rhodes gallery, London

Last night, my twelfth solo exhibition titled "Paname" opened at Rhodes' new gallery space, located at 65 Great Portland Street in London. The fifteen pieces in the collection are displayed across two levels in three rooms, and they look fantastic in the newly renovated gallery space. Sam, Lauren, and Ruby did an excellent job curating the show and offered a warm welcome to everyone who attended the private view.

The evening was a joy for me, as always, because I finally got to see everything displayed together and emerge from my self-imposed state of artistic hibernation in my studio tucked away on the west coast of Scotland. It was delightful to meet both new and returning collectors, as well as art enthusiasts, over the course of the two-hour private view and chat about the new work. Here are some photos from the night.

Paname runs till Saturday 25th May

Opening night at Bonhams x Nick Smith in support of the Trussell Trust

On the evening of Monday, 28th April, I had the privilege of experiencing one of the most fulfilling and exciting nights of my year… a takeover of "Hot off the Press" at Bonhams' flagship auction house on New Bond Street, London. In collaboration with the Bonhams team, led by Carolin, and our Rhodes team, spearheaded by Ruby, Sam, and Lauren, we unveiled two new prints, with proceeds going towards the Trussell Trust, which manages over a thousand food banks across the UK.

The turnout was spectacular, with over 300 guests attending the event. We raised tens of thousands of pounds for a charity that is very close to my heart and deeply relevant on many levels.

Here are some pictures from the event featuring the key players…

Nick Smith x Bonhams in aid of The Trussell Trust Charity

I’m delighted to announce my partnership with Bonhams auction house, where we will be unveiling two limited edition prints and two original collaged artworks. These pieces will debut at the 'Hot Off the Press' event, taking place at Bonhams' prestigious New Bond Street location. The event begins on Monday, 29th April, with an exclusive, invitation-only evening where the prints will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The exhibition will then open to the public throughout the week, culminating in a live auction on Wednesday, 1st of May. At this auction, the two original collaged artworks will be sold, with all proceeds going directly to The Trussell Trust, a remarkable charity supporting food banks across the UK.

‘ART’ Print limited edition of 33 - Available at the Hot Off the Press event on 29th May

‘LOVE’ Print limited edition of 33 - Available at the Hot Off the Press event on 29th May

I chose to partner with the Trussell Trust because of their impactful and transparent approach to addressing food insecurity in the UK. Their work not only provides immediate relief to those facing urgent hunger but also pursues long-term solutions to end the cycle of poverty. This dual mission resonates deeply with my belief in the power of art to not only reflect society but also to actively improve it. By aligning my art with the Trussell Trust, I hope to amplify the message of compassion and support through creativity, ensuring that each piece sold not only adds beauty to the world but also contributes meaningfully to a future where no one has to worry about their next meal. This partnership represents a shared vision of empowerment and change, one artwork and one meal at a time.

Lot 11 ‘ART’ Going under the hammer at Bonhams, Hot Off the Press - 1st May

Lot 12 ‘LOVE’ Going under the hammer at Bonhams, Hot Off the Press - 1st May

I chose to create these works, titled 'Love' and 'Art': Inspired by Warhol's iconic flower prints, these pieces are reimagined with a modern, pixelated style to reflect the vibrant spring season—a time of renewal. Each pixel, infused with text from his memoirs, adds depth by linking artistic expression to societal issues. These artworks connect beautifully with the Trussell Trust’s mission to provide immediate and long-term support for those facing food insecurity. 'Love' embodies the charity’s compassionate community efforts, while 'Art' highlights the creativity needed for lasting change. Through this series, I aim to support the Trust’s vision, where every artwork sold helps build a future without hunger.

You can discover more about my collaboration with Bonhams by clicking the link below…

Psalm 65 & 104 print editions - coming soon.

I’m pleased to announce the latest additions to my Psalms series: Psalm 65 and Psalm 104. This new chapter, Psalms 2.0, embarks with the iconic Heinz Baked Beans and Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup, transforming these everyday staples into limited edition prints that elevate their status to the divine. Building upon my 2018 Psalms series, which paid homage to ten beloved condiments through art intertwined with psalm-like adoration, I continue to explore the sacred ties between art, sustenance, and the devotion we hold for these culinary constants.

Selecting Heinz Baked Beans and Cream of Tomato Soup for Psalm 65 and Psalm 104 not only highlights their status as pantry staples but also reflects the deep loyalty to the brand, complemented by the psalm-like text woven into the artworks that venerates these essentials. This series transcends visual appeal, elevating these items from mere food to cherished cultural icons and celebrating their cultural significance, comfort, and the brand loyalty they inspire. The approach encourages viewers to recognise these everyday items as integral, enduring parts of our lives and homes.

‘PSALM 65 & 104’

Giclée with Screenprinted Varnish on Canson Rag Photographique 310gsm


Hand signed, numbered and dated by the artist in pencil

Edition of 40

59.4 x 42 cm

SOLD OUT

Print making interview with Rhodes Editions

I recently sat down with Ruby from Rhodes Editions for a deep-dive into my printmaking. You can catch up on it here.

Nick Smith signing his recent release 'The Bathers' (2023)

Could you tell us why you decided to start publishing prints of your work?

I’ve always been fascinated by making prints. I started out by making them myself at Print Club in London; there were variations in each print which kind of made them originals. As my career as an artist advanced, I wanted more uniformity and higher production numbers, so I started using Harwood King Printmakers… it was time to bring in the pros!

You use a mixture of Giclée and Screenprinted Varnish on your prints. Could you tell us why you decided to use this method?

In an ideal world, I’d love to use only screen printing to produce my prints. I appreciate the methodical process of applying ink to paper and the craft of slowly building up layers of colour. However, due to the sheer quantity of colours and subtle tonal variations, Giclée printing is better suited to creating my prints. I do add a clear varnish over the colour blocks which is screen printed on. This makes the printed colours pop.

What do you find is the downfall of this method of printing?

There aren’t any; I consistently get the results I am after, but it’s taken a while to get to that stage. We’ve definitely had some hurdles along the way, but they are all ironed out now.

What is the most challenging part of producing prints in general?

I couldn’t have chosen a printer further from my studio if I tried—550 miles door to door. Travelling there for proofing and signing presents the biggest challenge, yet visiting the Harwood King print studio is always a delight. It allows me to get hands-on with the production of my prints, and I invariably discover something new with each visit.

How do you decide on the images and text that you use?

I typically make prints from my original works that are in high demand and translate well into print format. The text content, based on the image, complements or subverts it. There’s always a commentary to be made, and the text is my platform for this conversation.

What is your favourite print image you have produced?

It's impossible for me to choose just one favourite print. The Blue Van Gogh portrait holds a special place in my heart for its vibrant colours and sentimental value—it was among the first major editions I released at the beginning of my career in 2015. Equally cherished is the Heaven print, a collaboration with Foilco that utilised a specialist technique with the Heidelberg press and heat-transferred foil, taking roughly a year to perfect. The way this print's appearance continuously shifts with the lighting is mesmerising, truly phantasmagorical. Yet, this beauty comes with its challenges, particularly the foil's susceptibility to scratches, necessitating white-glove handling.

 


Nick signing his editions of 'Peter Getting Out of Nick's Pool' (2022)

Do you like collecting prints? If so, could you tell us a bit about your collection?

I do like to collect prints! The journey began with a simple piece of advice I was given: start with prints and eventually move on to originals. True to that path, I've acquired a few originals over the years, but my passion for collecting prints has never waned. My tastes have evolved significantly, influenced by various life changes—from relocating from an urban flat in Peckham to a rural farmhouse on the West Coast of Scotland, to the joys and considerations of family life. These experiences have gently shifted my aesthetic preferences, necessitating a more inclusive approach to selecting art, keeping in mind the shared spaces and sensibilities of my family. My latest acquisitions are the gold leaf Lino Lago’s and Cat Spilman’s which my family adores.

For me, the golden era of print collecting was 2010 - 2014. I used to work next to the White Cube in Bermondsey; I remember being able to nip in on my lunch break and fall in love with some of the editions they had readily available and make the purchase. Some of these editions now command tenfold price increases on the secondary market. I had to let a few go over the years, but the ones I still own hold a special place in my collection and personal history.

Do you have any advice for amateur artists and printmakers looking to make it in the art world?

Make your art unique; the best situation you can be in is where someone looks at your work and knows it’s unequivocally by you. That’s not easy, but it's a great way to get known and ultimately to lead to a successful career in art.

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned in the 10 or so years you have been making prints?

Once you find a technique of printing that works for you… perfect it. For me, this involved developing a close relationship with my printer, Harwood King. I look back at the first prints we were creating in 2015, and we’ve come a long way. The improvements have been small but incremental over the past 9 years we’ve been working together. About 5 years ago, we started using a UV hardened varnish that smells like marzipan. I never thought the smell of a print would matter, but it adds to the uniqueness of my editions.

Do you have any images that you would love to release as a print in the future?

I do, but I’m pretty cagey about sharing my plans for the future.

How do you think your previous work as a designer has influenced your work as an artist and printmaker?

Transitioning into art, my design background has made me a more practical artist, instilling a deep appreciation for the power of presentation. Design, at its heart, revolves around the effective communication of ideas, often requiring a balance between creative vision and the practical demands of business clients. This experience has been invaluable in guiding my artistic journey, teaching me to navigate the complexities of an evolving career. In my practice, I approach each piece as if it were a response to a self-imposed brief, similar to how a design project begins. My solo exhibitions are conceived as cohesive series, each exploring a distinct theme. The way these series are presented—through careful framing, hanging, and the overall setup—is critical, aiming to fully immerse viewers from the moment they step into the space. These principles, honed during my time in design, have become fundamental to the way I create and share my art.

After a landmark year in 2023, what are your aspirations and plans for your art in 2024?

I'm eager to see the ongoing development of my work. Presently, I'm juggling four projects, including my upcoming solo exhibition with Rhodes, set to open in May. It's clear that 2024 is on track to be just as bustling and eventful as the last year. My focus is on exploring new concepts and deepening the engagement with my audience. I'm excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and I'm committed to making 2024 a year of significant artistic growth.

Paracosm - "Pixelated Reflections on Van Gogh"

Paracosm

/ˈpærəˌkɒzəm/

noun: A detailed, imaginative world created within one's mind. 

I'm delighted to present 'Paracosm', a curated selection of five pieces, at Rhodes Contemporary Art Gallery in London. The exhibition will be on display from November 3rd to 25th, coinciding with Danny Gretscher's highly-anticipated solo exhibition. Please join us for an exclusive private viewing on Thursday, 2nd November, from 6 to 8 pm. Kindly note that RSVP is mandatory. I look forward to seeing you there.

"Paracosm" melds Vincent van Gogh's vibrant world with the simplicity of pixels. My adaptations reduce his works to their essence in blocks of colour. In viewing them, our minds instinctively reconstruct the familiar, diving into cognitive landscapes to piece together memories of Van Gogh's originals.

The title encapsulates this introspective journey. Confronted with these pixelated renditions, we're challenged to bridge the gap between present abstraction and remembered richness. While subtle tactile layers are introduced through collaged paper, the essence remains: our mental quest to reconcile the pixelated with the vivid memories of Van Gogh's masterpieces.

Join me in "Paracosm," where art meets memory, urging you to rediscover Van Gogh through the interplay of pixels and past recollections.

Vincent van Gogh:
"I dream my painting and I paint my dream."

Nick Smith:
"In the realm of 'Paracosm', I reconstruct Van Gogh's dreams, challenging us to remember them through our own."

'The Bathers' at Woolwich Contemporary Art Fair

I'm delighted to announce the launch of my latest limited print, ‘The Bathers’, at this year's Woolwich Contemporary Art Fair. Come find us at Rhodes Editions, Booth 5.

Gicleé with Screenprinted Varnish Overlay
on Canson Rag Photographique 310 gsm Paper

Signed, dated and numbered in pencil by the artist
with the Artist's and Rhodes Editions blindstamp
74 x 102 cm (29 1/8 x 40 1/8 in)
Edition of 33

£1250
(plus shipping)

Presented as a larger-scale edition in a very limited run of just 33

'Bathers at Asnières' by Seurat, displayed in the National Gallery, London, has always been a favourite of mine. I've been fortunate enough to immerse myself in its subtle blue and green hues, accented by striking spots of red, on numerous occasions. This deep appreciation compelled me to create a piece exploring those very tones. To compliment Seurat's artistry, I paired it with the words from Hemingway's 'A Moveable Feast', which is a depiction of Parisian life on the Seine.

Polytheism opens in Covent Garden, London

Creating art is an exploration, a conversation, a study. It's about provoking thought, challenging perceptions, and revealing the hidden narratives in the everyday. My latest exhibition, 'POLYTHEISM', was a testimony to this very ethos. As an artist, I'm humbled and exhilarated by the reception this collection received.

Sneakers / trainers – to many, they are more than footwear. They're symbols of culture, of identity, of personal expression. And, for some, a near-religious devotion. The concept of 'POLYTHEISM', held in the heart of Covent Garden, was my exploration of this phenomenon – a deep dive into sneaker culture and the cult-like following it commands.

‘Polytheism’ signifies the worship of more than one God, a concept reflected in the fanatic loyalty and sacrifice collectors display in pursuit of the industry's most coveted sneakers. It's this divine parallel that fascinated me, and I sought to encapsulate this aspect within my artwork.

My 'POLYTHEISM' exhibition showcased a carefully curated collection of seventeen sneaker representations. Ten of these were prints paying tribute to some of the most renowned and loved sneakers in the Hall of Fame. The other seven were original, hand-collaged works depicting the legendary 'Grails', those sneakers so highly coveted they're practically sacred.

Each piece was more than a mere visual representation – it was a narrative. Every swatch of colour, every pixelated style collage, breathed life into these icons. And the textual elements, laced with biblical undertones, highlighted the quasi-religious fervour that these sneakers ignite in their collectors.

I'm incredibly grateful for the turnout on opening night – a testament to the power and allure of this unique subculture. The success of 'POLYTHEISM' and the sold-out event affirmed my belief that this exploration struck a chord with many.

Through the lens of 'POLYTHEISM', I wanted to present an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of sneaker culture, shining a light on the transcendent power of these objects of devotion. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to everyone who came through and purchased my works.

This exhibition was not just a celebration of sneakers, but a homage to the devotion, the community, and the emotional ties they inspire. It was an honour to present this body of work at the Rhodes Contemporary pop-up gallery, and I look forward to continuing this exploration and dialogue with future collections.

Watch the exhibition preview video here…

Upcoming Solo Exhibition - POLYTHEISM - Previews 16th MAY

Nick is thrilled to unveil 'POLYTHEISM,' a captivating new solo exhibition in Covent Garden, London. In this new series of original collages and limited-edition prints, Smith delves into the multifaceted universe of sneaker culture, exploring the myriad reasons behind our collective fascination.

"Our choice of footwear often reflects our life's journey. Shoes not only offer comfort and protection but also serve as a medium for expressing our diverse tastes and cultural affiliations. This body of work investigates the intricate relationship between iconic footwear and the subcultures they have become associated with. "Polytheism" examines these connections, inviting recognition and consideration of the true significance of these cherished cultural icons."

In a world where sneakers transcend cultural boundaries and are venerated by many as fashion icons, Nick Smith investigates the driving forces behind our devotion, whether it be the comforting memories they evoke, the cultural tribes they signify, or the rarity and value they embody. This loyalty has given rise to a near-religious following for these sneakers.

'POLYTHEISM' showcases 17 iconic sneakers that have achieved cult status, featuring 10 limited-edition prints representing the 'Hall of Fame' – sneakers that have left an indelible mark on culture - and 7 meticulously handcrafted collages celebrating extraordinarily rare collectible sneakers - ‘The Grails’. Each piece, in Nick Smith’s signature pixelated style, is woven with biblical- inspired text, radiating reverence and adoration for these esteemed shoes.

The ‘Hall of Fame’ editions will be available individually at the exhibition, or as a very limited edition ‘POLYTHEISM’ box-set, featuring all 10 editions in a presentation box, plus one bonus edition (available only as part of the box-set).

The fusion of biblical-style text with hallowed sneakers challenges viewers to reflect on the nature of our devotion and the objects we revere in contemporary society. This juxtaposition encourages exploration of the parallels between religious adoration and the near-spiritual loyalty many people have towards these iconic sneakers.

“By utilising the highly emotive and familiar language of biblical texts, I aim to emphasise the deep, almost worshipful connection people have with sneaker culture. The language of reverence and adoration, typically reserved for sacred scriptures, is applied to material possessions, creating a thought-provoking contrast that prompts viewers to question their values and priorities.”

This pairing also serves to underscore the idea that sneakers have transcended their utilitarian function, evolving into objects that hold cultural, social, and even spiritual significance for their followers. It suggests that, for some, sneakers have become akin to modern-day idols, inspiring fervour and devotion that rival religious practices.

In addition to the artworks, Nick Smith showcases each sneaker that inspired them, affording viewers the opportunity to compare his creations with the shoes themselves and granting an exclusive chance to view The Grails in person, including rare sneakers like the 2004 London SB Dunk.

The exhibition will take place in London’s Covent Garden, May 16th - 21st, with an opening reception 6-9pm on Tuesday 16th May, and an artist talk on Saturday 20th May.

Pop up address: 28 Henrietta St, London, WC2E 8NA

All artworks and print editions will be available for purchase in person at the exhibition. Any remaining editions will be available on rhodeseditions.com the following week. Details TBC.

Nick partners with Philips & Rijksmuseum

Nick was recently invited by Philips to create a giant community artwork which was unveiled on Thursday 22nd February at a special event at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in conjunction with Vermeer exhibition.

Looking at beautiful art is rewarding to the human brain. It has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and can have a positive impact on both people’s mood and physical well-being. Many of us seek ways to improve our health and well-being, and creative self-expression can play an important role. While some will be interested in the latest exercise trend or motivational podcast to inspire better physical health and well-being, many turn to a creative outlet such as dancing, writing or art. How can we make more use of art to not only enrich, but also enhance our lives?

The community artwork was revealed on February 22nd at the Rijksmuseum. Artist Nick Smith created a modern take on Vermeer’s world-famous Milkmaid by dividing his interpretation of the piece into 192 panels, which each participant painted.

Nick said, “Art therapy doesn’t focus on the artistic talent of the patient, but their ability to channel their feelings through the medium of art. It’s heartening to see the collective efforts of patients of all ages shine through in this modern take on a Vermeer classic. I’m delighted and honored that this new ‘masterpiece’ will live on in Catharina Hospital.”

Watch the video here…

Peter Getting Out of Nick's Pool - Print edition of 127

I’m always hypnotized by the process of making my prints. The repetition of watching an image emerge from a white sheet of paper, evolving through skilled, well honed processes. I’ve been working with @harwoodkingprintmakers for close to a decade, and during that time we’ve honed the process of making my prints down to a fine art. Colour matching, paper stock and even the smell of the varnish. Next time you get your hands on one fresh off the press… give it a sniff and you’ll see what I mean. Here’s a short video of the production process…

Printing of Nick Getting Out of Peter’s Pool

Thank you to everyone who came to the opening of ‘POSED’. It was fantastic to meet you all, share the new work and discuss the ‘muses’. I’m particularly grateful to all those who added my art to their collection and to Rhodes for putting on another stellar exhibition. You can view the catalogue of works using the link below. For any sales enquiries, please contact Rhodes directly. The exhibition is open till 22nd December at Rhodes, 61 Great Portland Street, London.

Monday–Friday: 11am–6pm
Saturday: 12pm - 6pm

Or by appointment

…And some photos from the private view held on the evening of Thursday 24th November.

Upcoming Solo Exhibition - POSED - Previews 24th November

Nick’s tenth solo exhibition titled ‘POSED’ opens soon at Rhodes Contemporary Art’s new gallery space in Fitzrovia, London.

This new body of work addresses the common anonymity of artists muses within their portrayal as nudes in historic works of art. Smith has sewn a text dialogue within his works from the point of view of the sitter… giving a voice to the muse.

POSED consists of twenty-six original collaged works and one limited edition print. The private view is on Thursday 24th November and the Doors open to the public on Friday 25th November. The exhibition will be on display until Saturday 22nd December.

Bonhams Pop x Culture

Bonhams have a collection of my prints available as part of the Pop x Culture auction, including a rarely seen Van Gogh Blue Portrait from 2015.

Lots 139 - 142 are now available to view in person at Bonhams, London New Bond st. Bidding has opened online and concludes at the fall of the hammer on Thursday October 20th