Contested Space (2020) Painting by Brett Nickell

Brett Nickell is a contemporary American artist born in Middletown, Ohio, a rust belt town with deep blue-collar roots shaped by the industrious spirit of its Appalachian community. Growing up in the 1970s, Brett's childhood was a blend of freedom and neglect, where he and his friends transformed everyday objects—like cardboard, sticks, and machine parts—into imaginative three-dimensional models. Even from an early age, Brett demonstrated a natural talent for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Artistry came naturally to Brett, emerging not as a deliberate choice but as a destiny. He recalls that drawing was one of the first things he did as soon as he could hold a pencil. A significant turning point occurred during a second-grade project, when his advanced dinosaur poster, showcasing an understanding of overlapping perspectives, garnered recognition and solidified his artistic path.

Brett's creative process is deeply intuitive and personal, often eschewing the need for traditional inspiration. He views art as visual poetry, a way to express complex emotions and thoughts that transcend language. Influenced by surrealism and expressionism, his work combines automatic drawing, frottage, and collage techniques, revealing subconscious imagery while embracing the raw emotion typical of expressionism. His early pieces were notably shaped by artists like Max Ernst and Roberto Matta, although his contemporary style has since evolved into a unique voice.

Throughout his career, Brett has been actively involved in the art community, participating in a variety of solo and group exhibitions that have earned him acclaim and coverage in art publications. In recent years, he has shifted towards online exhibitions, valuing the reduced logistical costs and broader reach.

Brett's art is known for its ability to construct intricate worlds that uncover human emotions and societal realities, making him a thought-provoking and influential figure in contemporary art. His work continues to engage, inspire, and challenge audiences, solidifying his place as a compelling voice in the artistic landscape.

• Nationality: UNITED STATES
• Date of birth : 1967
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary American Artists