Mixing realism and textual art, John Nieman's canvases and prints are visual and narrative riffs on love and luck, forgiveness and acceptance, as well as the wisdom, or lack thereof, of the figures which make up our mass culture. For him, the canvas is a stage for him to share his observations on politics, sports, music, and American popular culture; the result is a clever reminder of who are as a nation.
Equally at home painting in the warm browns of wood and leather as he is rendering the bright colors of swimming pools, cloudless skies and consumer packaging, John at times offers "visual riddles," a combination of buzzwords or textual themes which match the image rendered as if captured in a snapshot. He is concerned with the things which tie us all together, the culture we all share. Above all, John Nieman's work expresses a generosity towards human frailty, and these works, with their warmth and humor--and the occasional candy bar--are inviting as well as provocative.
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