Nicklaus Successfully Pairs Irreverence and Originality For Solo Art Show

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Nicklaus' "Illuminated Manuscripts" Show Extended Through July 15th

By Ian Rice
Arts and Lifestyle Editor


An invitation to view an unknown artist's work in a local gallery can often inspire a very lackluster level of enthusiasm. After all, a large percentage of the present artistic community is rife with pompous attitudes and self-indulgent creation. Too often, creators are more interested in calling themselves an "artist" and living the lifestyle the moniker brings rather than actually devoting themselves to the craft itself. Such is not the case, however, with up-and-coming local artist Christian F. Nicklaus, whose current solo show at Port Jefferson Village's Gallery 4222 is the antithesis of all the aforementioned detriments to the world of art. Instead, Nicklaus presents a unique and inspiring vision that is a breath of fresh air in a recently stagnating genre.


Seen during its opening on June 3rd, Nicklaus' current display "Illuminated Manuscripts" blends a wealth of images, colors, shapes and textures to provide viewers with hours of visual satisfaction. Whether its his multi-layered paintings, his print/paint hybrids or his kiln-fired sculptures, Nicklaus' work never fails to inspire awe and reveal the depth of his talent. Nicklaus' pieces are the kind of artistic endeavors that the aformentioned pompous "artists" dream of creating, if only their talent matched their constant and tiresome posturing.


Nicklaus himself is far from being self-indulgent. As he is quick to note, Nicklaus doesn't even consider himself an artist, at least according to the normal definition of the term. Instead of relying on art to provide him with an identity like the majority of his peers, Nicklaus instead relies on his art as an addition to his already established life and personality. Art does not define Nicklaus' personality; Nicklaus' personality defines his art. "Overall, art is my escape," he told the Independent. "It is my release from this world. My chance to be free."


Part of what makes "Illuminated Manuscripts" such an unqualified success is the way in which Nicklaus uses the space he is given to present. While most artists are content with placing their work on nondescript white walls typical of an art gallery, Nicklaus instead uses the space at Gallery 4222 as part of his overall statement. Adding a subtle-yet-bold stripe to the room and extending elements of his paintings onto the wall itself, Nicklaus effectively makes the space part of his show, not just a vehicle for it (see the associated photo gallery for further illustration). The warm and inviting nature of Gallery 4222 is of course beneficial, but it is the marriage of his art and the room itself that makes Nicklaus' unique vision fully stand out.


Also adding to the overall presentation of "Illuminated Manuscripts" is the continual presence of the background music. Hand-picked by the artist and subtly-yet-noticeably playing throughout, the show's soundtrack is yet another way that Nicklaus expands his vision beyond the canvas. Featuring poignant songs from artists such as Radiohead, Iggy Pop, James Brown and The Flaming Lips, Nicklaus provides viewers with a consistent audio backdrop to go with his work. As Nicklaus pointed out to the Independent, many of the songs featured in "Illuminated Manuscripts" were those that he listened to while crafting the pieces displayed in the show.


Proud possesor of a Masters Degree in Fine Art from the prestigious Marywood University, Nicklaus possesses a wealth of knowledge pertaining to art history, another key contribution to his style. He is quick to note the influences he derived from his education, something that few other artists are as eager to reveal. Rather than attempting to mask his influences for the sake of the illusion of total originality, Nicklaus embraces his idols and their work and fully credits their profound effect on his own creations. "I think the artist who has had the greatest influence on my work...is Jean-Michel Basquiat," Nicklaus notes. "Not so much for his dependence of every illegal substance known to man, but more so for his quick understanding of the purpose of art in our world."


Nicklaus is especially focused on the more important issues concerning his work. Since at times his work can appear abstract or devoid of a clear and concise explanation, it is thus key to understand the impedus behind his creations. For Nicklaus, art is a way of expressing his ideology in a wholly new language. "My work is a grouping of in-depth hieroglyphics," Nicklaus tells the Independent, "Which display my own wishes, fears, heritage, and hope without always giving the viewer a complete Rosetta Stone of translation."


No matter what one personally derives from his art, the fact remains that Nicklaus' "Illuminated Manuscripts" is a show that must be seen. In a world of "art for the sake of art," something this consistently refreshing cannot be passed over.




Due to popular demand, "Illuminated Manuscripts" is on display through July 15th, 2006, at Gallery 4222, 318 Wynn Lane, Port Jefferson NY 11777. For more information, call (631) 473-5422, visit www.gallery4222.com or write an e-mail to info@gallery4222.com


For more information on Christian F. Nicklaus, including a list of upcoming events, visit: www.celticartist.org


To see a sample of "Illuminated Manuscripts," don't forget to check out the extensive photo gallery at the top of this article.