JESSE NICKELL
Self Portrait with Wound
Statement
The work I make deals with the human condition and experience. Based around the premise of a broken world, my paintings capture aspects of raw human nature. They visualize a world on the verge of falling apart, leaving the subjects in them with little power of their own. There is a strong focus on events leading up to and in the wake of tragic circumstances, often leaving the subjects stripped of their ambition and ego. This is meant to contemplate the necessity of perseverance in the midst of tragedy.
Bio
Born in 1994, Jesse Nickell, originally a chemical engineering student, made a pivotal shift to pursue painting, studying at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. His journey continued with the MOA Design and Build program, followed by a residency at the New York Academy of Art. His dedication to classical techniques led him to study under Odd Nerdrum in Norway, aligning himself with the Kitsch movement. This movement resonated with him due to its emphasis on classical methods, in contrast with his earlier educational experiences. He now focuses on a classical approach, painting from life, and aiming to convey profound human truths through his work.