As the year 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the artists whose work has created interesting works. Sue Nicholas stands out among them. With an academic foundation from Goldsmith’s College and Imperial College, University of London, her journey into the world of art is anything but conventional. Where others may focus on the external trappings of identity, Nicholas turns inward, exploring the fluid, ever-changing nature of self and its connection to the vital force of consciousness.
For Nicholas, creating art is less about outward expression and more about mapping the intricate emotional and sensory experiences that shape our inner world. Her work spans painting and digital media, offering glimpses into the intangible and often fleeting aspects of human existence. Each piece invites quiet contemplation, encouraging viewers to reflect on what lies beneath the surface of their everyday lives.
In 2023, Nicholas ventured into digital art, producing Origen and Doppelgänger, two thought-provoking pieces that delve into the complexities of consciousness. These pieces were displayed for a brief weekend in October at a gallery in New York, arranged by the Holy Art Gallery in London.
Origen: A Dive into the Birth of Awareness
With Origen, Nicholas invites us to ponder the very beginnings of consciousness. The piece is an abstract, almost fluid depiction of what might be the genesis of thought itself. Organic shapes swirl and pulse with vibrant colors—gold, blue, and red—that seem to radiate life. Through layers of texture and light, the artwork captures the chaotic yet harmonious energy of a mind in formation.
The movement in Origen is mesmerizing. Its dynamic composition suggests an unending process of evolution, much like the brain’s neural pathways. This interplay of light and form isn’t about providing answers—it’s about sparking curiosity. The piece encourages viewers to immerse themselves in its visual layers and reflect on the origins of thought and consciousness.
Nicholas doesn’t attempt to define this abstract concept but rather evokes its mystery. The glowing, shifting forms suggest a universal energy connecting all living things. It’s a deeply introspective work, offering a meditative experience to those willing to engage with its complexity.
Doppelgänger: Facing the Inner Mirror
While Origen looks at beginnings, Doppelgänger turns to the duality within. This piece examines the tension between the different facets of identity. Mirrored forms almost—but not quite—align, creating a sense of imbalance that draws the eye. The imperfect symmetry suggests an ongoing negotiation between the self we show to the world and the one we keep hidden.
The composition feels layered, as though it’s peeling back the surface to reveal deeper truths. Nicholas invites us to consider whether we are ever truly whole or if we exist as fragmented beings, constantly navigating our inner dualities.
Doppelgänger resonates on both a personal and universal level. It speaks to the struggles of self-awareness and the ways we reconcile conflicting parts of ourselves. Through its reflective nature, the piece prompts viewers to examine their own inner worlds, making it a deeply relatable and thought-provoking work.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Nicholas’s work is not about immediate gratification. It demands patience, inviting viewers to sit with their thoughts and emotions. In a world often focused on surface-level experiences, her art offers a much-needed opportunity for introspection.
As 2024 ends, it’s clear that artists like Sue Nicholas are carving out spaces for deeper engagement with art and the human experience. With Origen and Doppelgänger, she reminds us that the most profound journeys are often the ones we take within ourselves. Her work challenges us to ask questions, embrace ambiguity, and see art as a tool for self-discovery.
