Bold colours, abstract instincts and a refusal to overthink – South Yorkshire painter Iain Nicholls returns to the gallery walls with a new exhibition that celebrates the joy of simply seeing. Exposed caught up with him to hear about his influences, evolving style and why honesty is the artist’s greatest tool.
What’s the influence behind your new exhibition?
I’m a member here at KIAC, so I get one free exhibition, and I’ve not shown my work for quite a long time. I really like the gallery, so I thought it would be nice to invite people to see how it all looks together. I usually start with one thing that leads on to another, then another – it’s not pre-thought. I like making something special out of what most people would think is ordinary.
How do you want your exhibit to make people feel?
My temperament is positive, so I use lots of colour. There’s nothing particularly deep or meaningful – I don’t really paint like that. Frank Stella was a famous artist who did very abstract, colourful paintings, and he always said, “What you see is what you see.” There’s no hidden meaning that people wouldn’t get.
Who are your biggest creative influences / artists?
Philip Guston influenced a lot of painters my age. He was an abstract painter from the 1970s. I’ve learnt so much from his writing and interviews – more than I learnt in college. He’s a really big influence on me and lots of other people. I’ve been influenced by many other abstract painters as well, such as Brice Marden and Malcolm Morley.
How has your style evolved throughout your life?
When I was 19 I really got into abstract painting. When I was younger I used to copy and draw Christmas cards and sketch spaceships everywhere. At college, people painted landscapes, and I thought, “I’m not really into expressive painting, but I do like abstract.” I’ve always been into video games since I was young – the 2D pixel is somewhat burnt into my brain. I adapt to different styles while playing around, thinking about what I haven’t done or what I’m too scared to do. As it gets colder in the winter, I’m going to do some more work with VR, and I’ve been using AI to help with 3D modelling.
What’s your advice for new budding artists?
Whatever medium you want to use, make sure it’s the one you can do better than any other. You’ve got to find your own temperament; mine is that I have no interest in making deep, meaningful statements. You should paint what you like, not what you think you should like. You should be honest with yourself.
These Things Make Me HAPPY
Open afternoon: Saturday 29 November, 4–6pm (all welcome)
Exhibition open: Sunday 30 November – Friday 5 December, 2–6pm
GAGE Gallery, KIAC, Ball Street, Sheffield
