Sue Nicholas is a British artist who graduated from Goldsmith’s College and Imperial College, University of London. While her academic background suggests a foundation of rigorous intellectual training, it is her artistic approach that truly intrigues. Sue’s work diverges from traditional explorations of identity, moving instead into the uncharted terrain of inner consciousness. Her art delves into the fluidity of self, connecting it with the life force or awareness that resides within us all.
For Sue, the process of creation mirrors a journey into an inner landscape. She seeks to understand and represent the intricate interplay of thoughts, feelings, and sensations that make up our deeper selves. Her paintings and digital works are visual translations of this complexity, inviting viewers to engage with the subtle and elusive aspects of existence. Each piece seems to glimpse that indefinable force, a concept best felt in moments of meditation or imaginative reverie.
In 2023, Sue experimented with digital media, producing two works that push her artistic philosophy further. These pieces—Origen and Doppelgänger—explore the nature of consciousness and identity in strikingly different ways. They were exhibited briefly at a New York gallery for a weekend in October, organized by the Holy Art Gallery in London. Let’s take a closer look at these works and the ideas they bring to life.
Origen: Imagining the Primordial Nature of Consciousness
Origen is a digital artwork that invites the viewer to ponder the origins of consciousness itself. The piece is both abstract and fluid, with organic shapes and vibrant colors that seem to pulse with life. Sue uses layers of texture and light to evoke a sense of primordial energy, as if the viewer is witnessing the very birth of thought.
The composition feels alive, constantly shifting and evolving, much like the neural networks it seeks to represent. Swirls of iridescent hues—golden yellows, deep blues, and fiery reds—create a dynamic tension, suggesting both chaos and harmony. At its core, Origen seems to ask: where does consciousness begin, and how does it take shape?
This work doesn’t provide clear answers but instead draws the viewer into an experience of wonder and curiosity. The fluidity of the shapes mirrors the fluid nature of thought itself, while the luminous quality of the colors suggests an inner light—a force that connects all living beings. For Sue, this is not about defining consciousness but rather evoking its mystery.
Doppelgänger: Reflecting the Duality of Consciousness
If Origen is about beginnings, Doppelgänger takes a more introspective turn, exploring the duality within. This digital piece juxtaposes mirrored forms that almost, but not quite, align. The symmetry is imperfect, creating a subtle tension that speaks to the complexities of identity.
In Doppelgänger, the artwork suggests a dialogue between two facets of the self: the one we present to the world and the one that remains hidden. The interplay of light and shadow evokes a sense of depth, as if the viewer is peering into layers of consciousness that overlap and diverge.
This artwork is both personal and universal. While it can be interpreted as a study of individual duality, it also resonates with broader questions about human nature. Are we ever fully integrated, or do we exist as fragmented beings, constantly negotiating our inner and outer worlds?
The Exhibition and Beyond
Sue’s digital works feel like a natural extension of her broader artistic vision. They are meditative and introspective, inviting quiet contemplation rather than demanding immediate recognition. For those who take the time to engage, these pieces offer a rich and layered experience.
As Sue Nicholas continues to explore the intersections of consciousness, identity, and art, one can only hope that Origen and Doppelgänger find a wider platform. These works are not just beautiful—they are thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into the profound and often hidden forces that shape our existence.
