Nicolas Van Parys
The work of contemporary collage artist and painter Nicolas Van Prays is a response to technology and applications that demand our constant attention, designed to distract their users at every opportunity from reality. His work invites the viewer to reflect upon the vast and ever-growing amount of time we spend engaged with our devices. The artist asks us to contemplate the possibility that the more we connect online, the less we become connected with the people and the environment in our immediate surroundings. Van Prays refers to this phenomenon as the “globally unconscious” and reflects upon the need for a “slower life” where we take more time offline to appreciate our natural surroundings and to interact with those inhabiting it.
An intuitive, yet thoughtful collage comprised of found and ephemeral materials is created to be used as the reference for his paintings. These initial deconstructive studies are graphic in nature and form the basis of Van Pray’s distinct contemporary visual language.
His sombre and muted colour palette, combined with the temporary and abstracted imagery used in the initial collage evoke feelings of memories and musings, of days gone by, which emphasises the messaging.
Nicolas currently resides in Ghent, Belgium and is available for commission upon request.