Creative Vision

Christian Nicolson is an artist whose work is deeply rooted in an intimate exploration of memory, nostalgia, and the connection to nature.

Growing up in the 1980s, surrounded by the rhythm of the surf, Nicolson’s formative years were defined by a sense of adventure and discovery. Immersed in the surf culture of New Zealand’s coastline, Christian spent much of his youth in the ocean. This became more than just a lifestyle – it became a driving force behind his creative journey.

This love for the beach, the ocean, and the freedom of exploration continues to inform the work, acting as a central theme throughout.

Much of Nicolson’s art reflects a longing to preserve and evoke a world that feels increasingly distant in today’s fast-paced, digital age. There is a reverence for the simplicity and purity of youth, when connection to place and people was more immediate and unmediated. This relationship with the past, coupled with a deep connection to the natural world, permeates the artist’s compositions, evoking both personal and collective memories.

Christian’s style is unapologetically free – characterised by dynamic mark-making and a palette that shifts from subtle undertones to strikingly vivid colours.

Themes of childhood, nostalgia, the human form, and the intriguing allure of science fiction coalesce in Nicolson’s practice, which resists easy categorisation while engaging with universal human experiences.

Inspired by the dramatic landscapes of Joseph Turner, the intensity of Frank Frazetta’s work, and the conceptual precision of Warhol or even Banksy, Nicolson draws from a range of influences but forges his own unique path. The work is imbued with a sense of humour and clarity, while also exploring deeper emotional undercurrents.

Ultimately, the artist’s focus remains on creating evocative, meaningful work – art that speaks louder than any accolades. Nicolson’s art, while deeply personal, resonates on a broader level, inviting the viewer to reflect on their own history, their place in the world, and the passage of time.

With a distinctive voice that is both humorous and introspective, Nicolson’s goal is to create art that stands the test of time. His work is designed to forge lasting connections with viewers, offering more than just visual stimulation: it provides a visceral experience that bridges the past and the present.