15 september 2023, Yves Joris
Nick Ervinck’s phantasmagorical universe
The first thing that comes to mind on hearing the name Nick Ervinck is his metres-high yellow sculptures that pop up all over the world. Yet these are only part of his ever-growing oeuvre. The exhibition GNI-RI sep2023 at NQ Gallery features ceramic and drawings in which he uses traditional ceramics to explore motions of both organic and genetically engineered life forms through 3D experiments.
With the opening of the new exhibition, Nick Ervinck will have unintentionally set a new record: the first opening during a heat wave in September. For the occasion, the artist had the gallery painted pink, as if to break with the yellow colour with which he is typically associated. He confirms to me with a wink that it has nothing to do with the success of the Barbie film. The heat, which has mercilessly found its way into the gallery, adds an extra dimension to work that seems to melt under the sun.
Nick Ervinck, GNI-RI 2023 Ceramic and drawings, NQ Gallery
Between two worlds
Nick Ervinck has one foot firmly planted in the digital world. As a pioneer in the field of digital art forms, he explores the possibilities of new techniques and materials. The rise of 3D printing has changed his creative process and allowed him to sculpt shapes that were previously unthinkable. The computer is not only an instrument, but largely determines his artistic thinking and methods. Using digital software and techniques, he creates stunning compositions by combining, mirroring and distorting images, shapes and textures from various sources. The result of this digital adventure is balanced images that hover between structure and complexity, figuration and abstraction, symmetry and asymmetry.
Nick Ervinck's sculptures are not traditional creations, but embrace the digital revolution and show how digitality is transforming the visual language of art. The artist toys with the thin line between virtual and real, intangible and material. His works challenge traditional images and embrace the possibilities of the digital world.
Nick Ervinck, Elleiviar, 2023, NQ Gallery
For the GNI-RI sep2023 exhibition, Ervinck returns to more traditional techniques and brings his phantasmagorical universe to life through drawings and ceramics, a world made up of contradictions. Ervinck explores contrasts in his work. Like a Möbius loop, he explores inner and outer boundaries in his oeuvre, from soft pastel tones just begging to be touched to spiky coral that forces you to keep a distance. Dimensions also play a role in the creation of a ceramic oeuvre, as they are first and foremost limited by the dimensions of the kiln itself, but the material itself also provides limitations. Behind the cheerful, dancing and fluttering images is an initial fragility that transitions into perfection.
Nick Ervinck, GNI-RI 2023 Ceramic and drawings, 2023, NQ Gallery
With this exhibition, the artist is exploring the synergy between contemporary techniques and craftsmanship from the past. It is therefore above all an invitation to explore the unexpected, to reflect on the continuous evolution of art forms and to enjoy the beautiful synthesis between technology, art and human creativity.
The artist's website provides a wealth of information about his work and sources of inspiration. Those who would like to delve further into (or simply enjoy) the ceramic oeuvre of Nick Ervinck can click on the link nickervinck.com
Nick Ervinck, GNI-RI 2023 Ceramic and drawings, 2023, NQ Gallery
