Nigel Howlett’s stylized, figurative drawings, paintings, and sculptures express a new and distinct way to explore the complexities and nuances of human experience.
His world is populated by a cast of anonymous characters who typically appear as if they are carved from metal or encased within a kind of synthetic skin. But despite their cool, futuristic aesthetic, their body language is highly expressive and relatable. We encounter intimate social interactions, moments of searching and contemplation, as well as powerful, more dynamic scenes. The compositions are both cinematic and minimal, employing symbolism to evoke a distinct feeling or response without prescribing a specific meaning. This allusive visual language appeals to our shared humanity and ability to communicate beyond the verbal.
Working with a reduced palette, Howlett heightens both focus and intensity within each composition. Gradual and subtle transitions between light and dark may appear mechanically sprayed or digitally generated, yet closer inspection reveals meticulously hand-painted flat surfaces built by stippling with small brushes. The use of slightly transparent pigments applied in a single layer leaves the linen ground visible in places and gives a quiet luminosity to the painting. Together these unique qualities invite a meditative encounter that reveals itself gradually over time.