About Nicole Grech

Biography

I am a Sydney based artist – primarily working in the field of sculpture.

I began my formal art studies whilst living in Italy at the Academia di Cesare Crespi (Milan) in 1997. Upon returning to Australia in 1999 I continued my studies at The National Art School (NAS) in Darlinghurst, completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (majoring in Sculpture) in 2001.

Since graduating from NAS, I have exhibited in more than 25 exhibitions including Sculpture by the Sea Bondi (2002, 2004, 2006), Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe (2006, 2007) and Robin Gibson Gallery’s Annual Sculpture Survey. In 2003, I was one of only two Australian sculptors selected from over 800 international submissions to exhibit at the Toyamura International Sculpture Biennale in Japan.

I held my first solo exhibition in 2004 at Maree Mizon Gallery, Sydney and since then have had four solo exhibitions.

My work is predominatntly figurative and revolves around the recurring themes of “relationships” and “the roller coaster journey of life”. My sculptures often encompass a group of figures engaged in some sort of dialogue and interaction. I like to call these sculptures “encounters” and they appear to the viewer as a moment captured in time. The “encounters” are usually drawn from real moments or incidences in my life, and the relationships around me, however I aim to achieve an underlying sense of ambiguity so that the viewer can apply his or her own story to the work.

While developing my fascination in the “contrasts of life” – the ups and downs, the beautiful and the ugly, the good and bad – I started to explore the half animal, half human form as a more effective means of expressing my feelings and ideas.

In particular, I have been working for many years with the figure of the Minotaur – the half bull, half man creature of Greek legend. The Minotaur has become a strong “motif” for me. The Minotaur is not only a connects me with my passion for history, mythology and ancient Greek art, but also my obsession with the contaminated “human” form and the complexity and contrasts of life.

In more recent years, these same principles and ideas have been expressed through half human, half dog figures. This more recent work is inspired by issues I have observed and experienced in today’s society. These include the constant power games at play, the widening gap between rich and poor and the increasing pace of life that leaves little time to spend on relationships. Whilst these are serious matters, I still aim to express them with a sense of humour and quirkiness.

I works with a variety of materials including resin, cement, plaster and bronze. I enjoy the contrast of working with different mediums – from quick-setting plaster to the long and methodical process of bronze casting. I am particularly passionate about bronze casting, using “lost wax” methods that date back to ancient Greek times. I am proud to continue this rich tradition of sculpting and through it I am able to express my views on modern society.