In the tradition of the Abstract Expressionists of the past, Nozkowski uses a visual, non-representational language to explore and explain specific experiences and feelings. This comes through in the way his style has changed throughout the years, the way he plays with and expands his language from canvas-to-canvas, and period-to-period, testing combinations and building his vocabulary. Nozkowski explains, “I like paintings that balance contradictions. I like paintings that look clear and simple at first glance and then sort of crumble under your gaze. And it’s even better if further looking enables you to put it together again, understand it in a new way.” Pushing the boundaries of what can be said within a 16- by 20-inch frame, and with how visual language can express it, Nozowski’s work indeed elaborates upon itself before your very eyes.
Thomas Nozkowski, Untitled (6-73), 1969, 16” x 20” (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
Thomas Nozkowski: 16 x 20
Pace Gallery
510 West 25th Street, New York
January 19 – February 17, 2018
Opening this weekend at Pace Gallery in New York, 16x20 is a retrospective of abstract paintings by New York-based artist Thomas Nozkowski. Spanning forty years of paintings in this size, the exhibition shows the evolution of Nozkowski’s style and interests.
Working at this intimate scale and often with a colorful palette, Nozkowski fills his paintings with bold geometric elements that are complemented by both textured areas and blocks of solid, bright paint.
Thomas Nozkowski, Untitled (7-10), 1992, 16” x 20” (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
Thomas Nozkowski, Untitled (4-132), 1986, 16” x 20” (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
Exhibiting at museums and galleries internationally, Nozkowski has been represented by Pace since 2007. Read more about this exhibition.
