Protoblade
Hi, Nick Abstract here. My recent solo exhibition at the Harrison Center opened on April 7th. The artwork is still on display in Speck Gallery, and I invite you to come and experience all of these paintings, sculptures, and more from now until May.
As an artist who loves challenging traditional notions, I experiment with unexpected materials that push boundaries and expectations. One of the mediums I used in this show is aerosol paintings on aerial saw blades, which I acquired from rural farmers in southeastern Indiana, specifically Vevay, IN. These saw blades have lived a full life, having been used to cut down trees along power lines. The largest saw blade I used came from a sawmill, where it milled massive trees. With their sharp and dangerous nature, these blades intrigued me and inspired me to explore the intersection between seemingly hazardous materials and delicate artwork.
Despite being color blind, I approach my art as meditations in color theory. Using principles of color relationships and contrast principles, I create harmonious and visually striking compositions that challenge traditional notions of what it means to be an artist.
These aerosol paintings on the saw blades feature geometric shapes and compositions that create order and harmony on the sharp surfaces. This contrast of aggression and order invites the viewer to reflect on the complexity of our world. The saw blades, once used for cutting down trees, now serve as canvases for self-expression, transforming them from objects of destruction to objects of reflection and wonder. It was a unique and fulfilling experience to repurpose these saw blades into works of art, giving them new life and purpose.
In addition to the aerial blade paintings, the rest of the show thematically aligns with my geometric visual language and exploration of chaos and balance. Some of the larger square paintings are inspired by the video game Halo, featuring angular Forerunner architecture amidst the iconic worldbuilding of Halo.
As an artist, I strive to challenge the viewers' perceptions and inspire new ways of thinking. Through my artwork, I invite the viewers to consider the beauty and complexity of unexpected materials and explore the delicate balance between aggression and tranquility. I hope my exhibition has left a lasting impression on those who have seen it and continues to spark curiosity and reflection.
I am typically more well-known for my large-scale mural installations. Studio artmaking has been a relatively new addition to my art practice. During the summer, my main focus is on ambitious exterior projects, covering walls with geometric shapes and compositions. However, in the winter, I scale down and pursue painting on other smaller mediums, allowing me to delve deeper into my artistic process. I reflect on my inspirations and what I aim to convey through my artwork, carefully considering how to communicate my message. While art may not always spell out its meaning, it is an experience for the viewer, an opportunity to immerse them in my world and share my perspectives. Through my geometric lens, I invite the viewers to see and feel the world as I do, even if just for a moment, creating a visual journey that transcends the traditional notions of art.