in the cloud

\

Orange Grove  3AM  Oil,  food dye and paper on canvas, 2009, 70 x  70 cms, 

Under thick, fluid layers of paint and varnish Constantine Nicholas' paintings reveal documents, maps, writings and images.

Having participated in numerous exhibitions across Australia and internationally, Nicholas says, "An ongoing theme in my work is to use historical maps, letters, journals and illustrations that I source on the internet to present a place in time that I can respond to. I enjoy using fluid paint to obstruct, blot out and "cloud-over", these documents.

Contrary to the traditional idea of painting from a subject or an object, Nicholas seems to be more interested in how the paint and material application works to define the painting. "After applying countless layers of paint and varnish I create something more out of my experience with paint than from something tangible or visible to refer to or copy". 

"On one level, clouds represent timeless bodies that watch over us and see all, and on another, I'm interested in how technology refers to "the cloud" being the virtual link to all knowledge - that data can be accessed online and visible from anywhere".

Constantine Nicholas' work can be found in many noted collections and institutions in Australia and overseas, including The Art Gallery of Western Australia, Australian National University, The Kerry Stokes Collection and BHP Billiton. His works have been selected for major art awards and prizes including the Australia Council's - New York studio residency. Major commissions include the millennium mural for Kerry Stokes and Singapore's Suntec City Towers. 

Cloud of Reign 10PM

Ink, water colour on paper, 2009, 30 x 22 cms,