VAGRANT EXPLORER:EXHIBITION OF DRAWINGS by NICKOLAS PAYNE
Landscapes predominate. This is the most concise explanation of a series of drawings by Chicago artist Nickolas Payne. These works exhibit arrangements of organic forms that resist recognition, but imply function; a biomorphic blip sports a circle inscribed with a dash that looks uncannily like the head of a screw. Some elements locate their forms against lines that evoke corners, windows and doors, reminiscent of the interior spaces, or forests deeply clustered with towering totems in the artist's magnificent series. In one wiry, graceful composition, there is anchored in the center a seductive slash of orange, a welcomed, colorful note in a large surrealistic drawing.
Modernism often takes spontaneity and disorder for granted-- as a result, drawing can easily seem superfluous. Form and content are in sync in Payne's art. He finds a fantastical, earthbound world of abstract forms resembling organic shapes glommed together. It’s a mesmerizing vision, vivacious, but hungry and mysterious.
Drawing is a priority. It frees up recollection. Drawing propels him forward and gives him new subject matter.
Drawing helps Nickolas to accept Surrealism's automatic gestures and leaner textures. It enables him to thrust
compositions toward the edges, harnessing Cubism's play with the geometry of the frame, and an overall richness of
action and energy that melds his myriad of marks into a solid landscape of his own imagination. Bogs and hollows transport
us through a tangled space that is curious and inviting. He blows up the intimacy of drawing to the epic scale typically
associated with painting.
Drawing also means motifs are constantly in motion, never settling into mere nostalgia.
With ideas still working themselves out, it gets harder to seek out evidence of any previous experience or place.
Nicholas takes us on a wild ride through his imagination. It is certainly a vagrant's exploration of Payne's unique world.
We will also be featuring Portraits by George Weers in the Project Gallery.
Exhibit will run from November 6-27, 2020
Opening Reception on First Friday November 6, 2020 from 5-9 PM
Sign up for a time slot to visit us on First Friday at the ticket link above.
We will be following the social distancing guidelines that are recommended at the time of the event. Masks will be required so please bring one with you.
Sign up to visit us on First Friday HERE