Idols
Nicholas Smith
10.11.2023 - 09.12.2023
Haydens presents Idols, an exhibition of new ceramic sculptures by Nicholas Smith. Situated within an expansive installation featuring a large textile hanging of lurid automotive vinyl upholstery and upcycled timber plinths made from abandoned artworks, Idols explores complex moments of personal and collective repression through a queer methodology.
By dividing the gallery in two via a suspended backdrop akin to his work decorator’s touch as part of The National 4: Australian Art Now at MCA, Nicholas creates an immersive environment that challenges notions of public and private. This environment serves to frame the ceramic works, allowing their reading to oscillate between the languages of sculpture, décor, and prop. Using domestic materials and palettes, drawn from the artist’s regional suburban upbringing, we can begin to unpack the libidinous undertones that inform his queer identity.
Nicholas Smith investigates sexuality, identity and memory in his works, often employing diverse media including ceramics and found materials. In 2022 he graduated with a Masters of Fine Art from ArtCenter College of Design, Los Angeles. His works have been included in major exhibitions including The National 4: Australian Art Now, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney (2023); and Queer: Stories from the NGV Collection, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne (2022). His recent solo shows include: Ribbons and Piss, ArtCenter MFA Thesis Exhibition, Los Angeles (2022); Cooled pride, roused ardour, Bus Projects, Melbourne (2018); I am crying, in collaboration with Jimmy Nuttall, Firstdraft, Sydney (2017); Swaddle me, West Space, Melbourne (2016); and Feint Understanding, TCB Art Inc., Melbourne (2015). In 2019 he was awarded the American Friends of the National Gallery of Australia AusArt Fellowship in support of his education in California. His work is held in the National Gallery of Victoria’s collection.
Nicholas Smith
10.11.2023 - 09.12.2023
Haydens presents Idols, an exhibition of new ceramic sculptures by Nicholas Smith. Situated within an expansive installation featuring a large textile hanging of lurid automotive vinyl upholstery and upcycled timber plinths made from abandoned artworks, Idols explores complex moments of personal and collective repression through a queer methodology.
By dividing the gallery in two via a suspended backdrop akin to his work decorator’s touch as part of The National 4: Australian Art Now at MCA, Nicholas creates an immersive environment that challenges notions of public and private. This environment serves to frame the ceramic works, allowing their reading to oscillate between the languages of sculpture, décor, and prop. Using domestic materials and palettes, drawn from the artist’s regional suburban upbringing, we can begin to unpack the libidinous undertones that inform his queer identity.
Nicholas Smith investigates sexuality, identity and memory in his works, often employing diverse media including ceramics and found materials. In 2022 he graduated with a Masters of Fine Art from ArtCenter College of Design, Los Angeles. His works have been included in major exhibitions including The National 4: Australian Art Now, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney (2023); and Queer: Stories from the NGV Collection, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne (2022). His recent solo shows include: Ribbons and Piss, ArtCenter MFA Thesis Exhibition, Los Angeles (2022); Cooled pride, roused ardour, Bus Projects, Melbourne (2018); I am crying, in collaboration with Jimmy Nuttall, Firstdraft, Sydney (2017); Swaddle me, West Space, Melbourne (2016); and Feint Understanding, TCB Art Inc., Melbourne (2015). In 2019 he was awarded the American Friends of the National Gallery of Australia AusArt Fellowship in support of his education in California. His work is held in the National Gallery of Victoria’s collection.
