Sue Nicholas approaches contemporary art with a fresh lens, setting aside the outer facade of identity to delve into the profound landscapes of inner consciousness. A graduate of Goldsmith’s College with an MBA from Imperial College, she isn’t focused on portraying outward appearances; instead, her work channels the mind’s fluid, inner dimensions. Nicholas uses imagination as her vehicle to connect with this abstract energy, transforming her insights into layered visual narratives. Her paintings embody the interplay of thought, emotion, and sensation, using geometric abstraction as a map to explore these intangible aspects of self. By merging geometric patterns with abstract forms, she brings us closer to the interconnected web of thought and neural responses that shape our inner reality.
In-depth
In In-depth, Nicholas crafts a layered exploration of non-digital space on a canvas board. Set within a wooden frame and painted with acrylics in A3 dimensions, the piece unfolds in layers of transparent, translucent, and opaque films. This nuanced layering captures subtle shifts in light that play across the canvas, creating a reflective, almost tranquil quality. Each film filters the layer beneath, adding depth and a sense of motion, urging viewers to dive into the complex relationships between color and form.
The multilayered composition of In-depth invites us to engage with its deeper symbolism, where each painted layer reflects various facets of consciousness. Rather than a static image, the arrangement of colors and shapes follows a non-linear flow, capturing the fluidity and overlap of thoughts and emotions. The entire piece feels alive, as each layer pulses with the artist’s intent to portray internal rhythms, building a meditative experience that resonates deeply.
Star Cross
With Star Cross, Nicholas introduces a geometric abstraction on a cradle board, also in A3 size, focusing on the tension between symmetry and asymmetry. The composition initially presents as symmetrical, but a closer look reveals subtle horizontal shifts that destabilize this impression. This dynamic between structure and change brings an element of movement, embodying the delicate balance of stability and transformation within personal growth.
In Star Cross, Nicholas encourages us to consider the evolution of thought. Starting with an ordered structure, the work allows a gradual shift toward unexpected discoveries, symbolizing the organic development of self-awareness. This unfolding symmetry reflects the artist’s own journey to understand the inner self as a fluid, evolving entity, bridging the gap between certainty and spontaneity. The interplay of form and openness invites viewers to reflect on the dynamic nature of perception.
Unfurled
In Unfurled, Nicholas shifts to a softer, more organic approach with acrylic on bonded watercolor paper. This A3 piece depicts an “opening out,” centering around a translucent sphere filled with circular shapes that appear to expand and multiply. This motif suggests a boundless internal abundance, an invitation to explore the limitless resources of the self.
The circular forms in Unfurled bring to mind a treasure trove of experiences, thoughts, and memories, each shape adding to the richness of the work. The delicate contrast between transparency and opacity symbolizes the vulnerability and openness required to reach self-understanding. Nicholas uses the overlapping forms within the sphere as a metaphor for the self’s layered complexity, capturing a moment of introspective clarity—a glimpse into the beauty of boundless self-expression.
Mapping the Inner World
Nicholas’s work isn’t about distorting reality but capturing the essence of complex internal experiences. Through pieces like In-depth, Star Cross, and Unfurled, she layers geometric precision with intuitive abstraction, allowing her structured, contemplative approach to shine. Each work embodies a facet of the mind, blending logic with a natural flow of ideas. Her art bridges the visible and invisible, creating a portal to the inner world. By using abstraction to express the inexpressible, Nicholas opens up a space for viewers to contemplate their inner landscapes, guiding them to the layered depths within.
