The artwork Beauty is a limited edition created by British contemporary artist Nick Smith in 2022. It is a giclée print with silkscreen varnish on 310 gsm Canson Rag Photographique paper, measuring 62 x 60 cm. The edition consists of 66 copies, each signed, dated, and hand-numbered by the artist.
Beauty draws inspiration from Andy Warhol’s iconic Flowers, reinterpreted through Smith’s distinctive style. By meticulously arranging color swatches, he creates pixelated images that merge traditional painting with digital aesthetics, offering a contemporary perspective on classic works.
In 2020, Nick Smith presented the Pioneers series at Rhodes Contemporary Gallery. This collection pays tribute to influential figures who have challenged conventions and paved the way in their respective fields. Through his signature collage technique of color swatches and text, Smith explores the intersection between image and language, inviting the viewer to delve into the narratives behind these pioneers.
The limited edition Fame is based on the artwork Magenta Flowers, 2020, showcased in the Pioneers exhibition. As with Beauty, Smith reinterprets Warhol’s Flowers, using magenta tones to provide a fresh perspective on the original work. This piece highlights Smith’s ability to fuse traditional art with pop culture, challenging visual perceptions and offering an interactive experience to the viewer.
Nick Smith’s P series includes works such as Psycolourgy (2015), Paramour (2016), Parlance (2017), Priceless (2018), Pinched (2019), and Purgatory (2019). Each series is grounded in meticulous research, exploring complex themes that serve as crucial starting points for each new body of work. Smith has investigated subjects such as art theft, morality, the cult of celebrity, and erotic literature. From large-scale pieces to microchip collages and print editions, Smith continues to push the boundaries of collage with new themes and experimentation, forging a unique visual aesthetic.
Through works like Beauty, Nick Smith demonstrates his ability to reinterpret classic pieces using contemporary techniques, inviting the viewer to explore the intersection of image, color, and language. His innovative approach and capacity to address complex themes establish him as a leading figure in contemporary art.
