Nick Andrews

Best of Both Worlds

27.12.2008 - 15.02.2009

Zeedijk 635 - Knokke
The exhibition Best of Both Worlds is based on a Andrew's trip to China in the summer of 2008, when he was invited to the 3rd Beijing International Art Biennale. On the one hand, he explores the cross-pollination between his own dreams and demons. On the other hand, he explores his knowledge of the old masters. Each painting is a synthesis of a larger story. Best of Both Worlds presents the path that Andrews has made in recent years. Works include inspiration from his journey through the southwest of the United States as well as those based on his Chinese diary. From a constantly changing perspective, one perceives exotic landscapes, cityscapes and neon desolate Hutong neighbourhoods. Architecture breaks the composition and gives the paintings shape. They are human, contemporary elements that have landed in the primitive landscape.

The challenge in Andrews' work lies both in the exploration of new plastic rhythms as well as the visual stimulation of the strong compositions. The energetic and colorful paintings invite the viewer to observe every detail close up.

Nick Andrews is considered one of the most interesting exponents in the contemporary generation of Belgian painters. The world of Andrews is that of pleasure and enjoyment. The inspiration for his paintings comes from traveling, exotic landscapes, desolate hotels, sex clubs, swimming pools and dilapidated amusement parks.
Nick Andrews' paintings are characterised by gestural brushstrokes and a flamboyant color palette, by which complementary colors dominate. As a result, the works are submerged in a euphoric, nostalgic and melancholic atmosphere.

Nick Andrews (London, England 1972-) lives and works in Antwerp, Belgium and Saint-Bonnet Tronçais, France. He studied painting at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. He participated in important group exhibitions such as Pop Up (2010, NICC Antwerp), Colours & Olympism, (2008, Beijing International Art Biennale, China), Fantasy (2008, HKA, Antwerp, curated by K. Vanden Broek), Welcome Home Little Cavaliers (2007, HKA, Antwerp, curated by J. Pas). Furthermore, he designed Docks & Diamonds — a series of six tapestries that were tufted by Vera Vermeersch — for Rodriguez d'Evorazaal in Elzenveld, Antwerp.

Selection works