Whether as a window framed view or as stacked assemblages of muted geometrical plains, Nicholson’s deft, layered, and finely grained paintings, reliefs, and sculpture have a natural affinity with 20th century modernist architecture. The scale and textured intensity of the works, while seemingly quiet in form are deceptively lingering and enthralling surfaces in which to dwell. Norbert Lynton’s weighty 1993 monograph subtly captures Nicholson’s artistic evolution as a painter across a career of 60 years. Nicholson’s resonance and influence for us are his ability to conjure up an abstracted, structured sense of space. Calmly creating momentary portals through to familiar and far flung Elysian landscapes.
Ben Nicholson ISBN 0 7148 2813 0
