Following on from his 2015 exhibition ‘Traffic’, artist John Nicholson is back at Sarah Cottier Gallery in Sydney with a new solo show.

Broadcasting a masterful use of light, colour and form, ‘Merge’ builds on John’s exploration into the generic terms and concepts that have been appropriated by digital, computer-aided worlds and programs. Through this work he playfully presents a metaphor on the merging of the digital and the ‘real’, the loss of boundaries that traditionally separated human from non-human.

The vibrant sculptures mark the artist’s return to working with circles and curves, and he has also used mirrors for the first time. These reflective new additions invite participation but also create confrontation, acting as dynamic portals jolting viewers out of everyday existence.

At the same time, distinctive frames encasing many sculptures serve to create a distinct separation between staged content and life, emulating a screen (computer, TV, phone, tablet…) edge. Reading this story from one such device, John’s rich concept is definitely food for thought!!

‘Merge’ by John Nicholson
October 13th to November 11th
Sarah Cottier Gallery
23 Roylston Street, Paddington, Sydney.
 
John’s piece ‘The sun is here’ is also currently on display as a finalist in the 2017 Woollahra Sculpture Prize.