Nikos Lamprinos' mesmerising artwork is a joy to behold.
Each of his abstract pieces exhibit incredible shapes, colours and detail, that keep the mind entertained and entranced. A fascinating study of geometry, texture and shade.
Nikos' work has been exhibited throughout Europe, Asia and New York and can be found in the permanent collection of the John F. Kennedy museum.
Recently, Nikos has been creating YouTube videos that reveal his process for creating watercolour and sketch work.
Nikos’ artwork on Saatchi Art
Please talk about where you are from and where you live now… I grew up in Athens, Greece. Studied Fine Arts at the Visual and applied arts university in Thessaloniki, Greece. Currently, I live and work in Athens, running with my colleague, Nikos Marinis, our studio where we create as well as we teach art.
How did you discover art?
I have been painting since I was a child, Fine Arts University came naturally when choosing my studies. My first degree was in social theology which theoretical approaches can be found in my paintings.
What do you love about abstract art?
Even though I do paint also realistically, I feel an attraction to abstract forms. I believe in the lyrical way to communicate the message. With my work, I encourage the viewer to confront and question the way we choose to perceive our reality.
How does your personality affect your work?
When looking at my work is actually like looking at me. My work is as it is because of my personality.
How do ideas for paintings come to you?
I keep a sketchbook in which I paint everyday. When I look back at my older sketches I always find new ideas. Furthermore when looking at the artists I admire I also get inspired. Besides, the more you work, the more ideas are coming to you. As Picaso used to say, when inspiration hits you, it needs to find you working.
What is your process from preparation to completed artwork?
I use masking tape which I cut with a knife in shorter stripes. I then apply then directly on the canvas creating the shapes I have on my mind and on my sketchbook. With this procedure each line is different and each shape imperfect. When I'm happy with the result, I apply colour. Once the pigment is almost dry, the tapes are being removed and a new piece is born.
What artist/artists do you admire and why?
I admire a lot of artists, teachers from the past and contemporary artists which I study their work and take inspiration from. Among others, I would say, Sean Scully, Gerard Richter, Tracy Emin, Stanley Whitney, Anselm Kieffer, Jenny Saville, William Kentridge, Olafur Elliason, and many many others. These are the first names that I always come back to and their approach to art feels closer to mine.
What advice would you give to an artist who wants to exhibit their work?
The exhibition is difficult. I respect everyone who asks me to exhibit my work and I try to see each call as an opportunity to make new artworks.
How do you market your work?
I use my twitter and Instagram account to socialize and show the backstage from my studio. I'm fortunate to work with galleries who do this work better than I do.
Which of your paintings is your favourite and why?
I see my work as a continuously evolving procedure so my paintings are a mark of my journey and therefore are difficult to separate them. If I had to choose one that would be "Sunset" (oil on canvas, 2016) for the reason that it was made in a simple way but I couldn't repeat the tension I feel when looking at it.
What are your plans for the next year?
Because of the COVID 19 crisis, all my exhibition plans have changed. For the moment I can only talk about an exhibition I will take part in with an installation in Nafplio, Greece in August.
