NICK BYRNE
Drawing on copper, linen and paper, Nicholas Byrne’s paintings disperse emergent figures amongst a restless ground. Made on a scale relating directly to the body, these works are reminiscent of an era in British painting in which the figure is brutalised. Byrne’s paintings are composed of superimpositions of febrile surfaces; built up, scraped down and layered over again. Curves, spirals and loops recur: Dynamic forms, leading the gaze around the surface. Occasional bright clean planes of colour impose themselves across the surface but don’t allow the eye to rest. The work employs a diverse lexicon of art historical references, but takes particular influence from notions developed during the Rococo period concerning the motivating effect that sinuous form exerts upon the beholder’s gaze, leading it around the surface of the picture as if following a dancer. There is an erotic sense to this notion- the viewer’s pursuit of an object of desire- and in Byrne’s paintings this pursuit is sublimated into intricate plays of display and concealment.
Nicholas Byrne was born in Oldham (1979) and lives and works in London. He has had solo exhibitions at Vilma Gold (2009) and Studio Voltaire, London (2008), and two person exhibitions at Frieze Projects East, Poplar Baths, London (with Anthea Hamilton) 2012, and dépendance, Brussels (with Nora Schultz) in 2011. Recent exhibitions include: One Persons Materialism Is Another Persons Romanticism, Glasgow International (2012); Nobody Can Tell The Why Of It, 1857, Oslo, Norway (2011); Public Private Paintings, Kunstmuseum Ann Zee, Oostende (2010); Newspeak: British Art Now, Saatchi Gallery, London (2010); The Dark Monarch at Tate, St. Ives and Towner Gallery, Eastbourne (2010); and The Long Dark at Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge and Hatton Gallery, Newcastle Upon Tyne, (2010); and Owl Stretching Time, Nordenhake, Berlin (2010).
Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services