John Nieman
The Persistence of Form
November 20 - December 11, 2009
Reception:
Thursday December 3, 2009 6-8 PM
Press Release
John Nieman’s crisp paintings of everyday objects are beautiful in their own right, but he doesn’t stop there. Still lifes of fruit, food, and other items are accompanied by written lists of celebrities, famous places, and consumer goods. Using wry humor spiced with visual puns, Nieman explores the gap between image and meaning. His exceptional handling of paint and interesting wordplay make him a unique voice in the contemporary art world. Textures, reflections, and shadows are rendered beautifully; gentle washes are paired with vibrant hues of orange, crimson, and violet. Nieman’s realist approach is impeccable, capturing the subtle variations of the color of a crushed soda can, crinkled wax paper, or a delicious hero sandwich. But it is the words running through the imagery that will keep audiences ruminating about a piece. "It’s a tribute to pop culture," he explains, "and incorporates a list of relevant personalities or phrases, anchored by an oversized painting of everyday objects."
Nieman has exhibited his work throughout the northeastern United States and resides in New York.
Artist Statement
My mom always encouraged me to draw, and we would sit at the kitchen table making pictures together. My dad loved words, and always wanted to remind me that they too have power. After spending many years in the world of international advertising, the influence of both parents came together. I became convinced of the stopping power of bold everyday images, especially presented in a fresh, new way. I also came to appreciate that words can add a meaning that amplifies, underscores or provokes an additional layer. My work combines both of these artistic impressions, and nods heavily to pop culture. I like to create art with immediate impact, and a residual mental tickle. Some have called my work “art with a sense of humor.” I am complimented by that, since I believe that for any two-dimensional piece to bring layers of pleasure is a worthy goal.
Invitation to the exhibition
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Artists in this exhibition
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