A Stranger I Used to Call my Home
st-Art Gallery is pleased to announce the first solo exhibition of Nicolas Prins, "A Stranger I Used To Call My Home," taking place on May 18, 2024. This exhibition invites viewers to delve into Nicolas' powerful and introspective collection of works, exploring themes of identity, tenderness, loneliness, isolation, clarity, and solidity. With his distinctive style that invites contemplation and transgression of boundaries, this talented artist offers a unique opportunity to connect with his vision. Join us at st-Art Gallery for an unforgettable experience of depth and emotion in Nicolas Prins' art.
“Exploring the Artistic Journey of Nicolas Prince: An Introspective Exhibition”
Nicolás Prince is an artist whose work transcends the conventional boundaries of art and a human who has transcended a conventional life. His art is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and in his huge capability of sympathy, which in ancient Greek means being interested in the pathos, so the emotions or feelings of others.
He grew up in orthodox Russia, under the care of his grandmother. This environment, while nurturing, was also restrictive, leading to a sense of rebellion in his teenage years. Most of his artworks beautifully capture this dichotomy : The orthodox traditions and his rebellious spirit have together shaped his art, making it a unique blend of traditional and modern elements.
His artistic journey is one of profound introspection and a relentless quest for acceptance and acknowledgment, much like Diogenes’ search for an honest man, a theme that is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and philosophical influences. The reason why his approach to art reminds me of Diogenes, the ancient Greek philosopher who was known for his quest for truth and authenticity, is because, like Diogenes, who carried a lamp in the daytime, claiming to be looking for an honest man, Prince’s art is a search for his true self, a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Prince’s artwork is an emotional reflection of the people and places he has loved and lost. Each piece is a narrative, telling a story of craving, loss, and the relentless pursuit of acceptance. His work is a testament to his strength and resilience, his ability to transform personal loss into a universal experience of human vulnerability and resilience.
The event’s concept promises to be an immersive journey into the soul of the artist. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the depth and breadth of Prince’s introspective art. One of his motifs which intrigued me the most is the use of windows from which he observes, a symbol that has a profound meaning for him. These boxes represent his need for self-analysis, providing a safe space of solitude where he can investigate into the depths of his mind. They serve as a pedestal, a platform from which he can observe his thoughts and emotions.
Looking at his artworks, I got very soon overwhelmed by the huge contrast between the characters and the environment in which they are represented. Nicolas is observing his artwork with us, he is asking himself questions and his trying to find answers in his art. His compositions remind me so much of the Russian orthodox period of Marc Chagall, depicting multiple subjects in an expressionist way and making a large use of metaphoric symbols. So, in a way appreciating Nicolas art is like experiencing the power that art has to transform, heal, and inspire, as we explore the depths of human emotion through the lens of Prince’s unique artistic vision.
We are so glad that Nicolas decided to join st-Art and we are lucky to count on his knowledge and his sensitivity as an artist, a curator and especially as a human. I am glad and feel honoured that Nicolas has decided to share a part of his life and his fragilities with us in this astonishing exhibition. I am personally obsessed by Nicolas, his talent and his enlightened personality and I hope st-Art can represent his “home” for a long time.
“I asked myself what it meant to constantly be missing something you’ve never truly known. How does it feel to cope with the intoxicating illusion that life would never be the same again?”
