Nigel Howlett’s stylised, figurative drawings, paintings and sculptures draw on elements of the surreal and uncanny to explore the complexities and nuances of human experience. 

His world is populated by a cast of anonymous characters who typically appear as if they are carved from metal or encased within a kind of armoured skin, but despite their cool, futuristic aesthetic, their body language is highly expressive and relatable. We encounter intimate social interactions, moments of searching and contemplation as well as powerful, more dynamic scenes. The compositions are strikingly cinematic and minimal, employing symbolism to evoke a distinct feeling or experience without prescribing a specific meaning. This allusive visual language is inspired by the artist’s interest in mysticism, spirituality and nature – many of the pieces feature animals who are similarly expressive – but also appeals to our shared humanity and ability to communicate beyond the verbal. 

The oil paintings are the result of a slow, meticulous process that involves the gradual building up of layers. Within the shifts between light and dark, lighter, translucent layers of pigment lend the final surface a brilliant luminosity. Meanwhile, the large-scale charcoal drawings have a softer and velvety texture that’s created through a layered mark-making process. In this way, Howlett plays with the materiality of each image to invite a deeper, meditative viewing experience that allows the work to reveal itself over time.