Nigel Howlett’s stylised, figurative drawings, paintings, and sculptures express a new and distinct way to explore the complexities and nuances of human experience.

His world is populated by a cast of anonymous characters who typically appear as if they are carved from metal or encased within a kind of armoured skin. But despite their cool, futuristic aesthetic, their body language is highly expressive and relatable. We encounter intimate social interactions, moments of searching and contemplation, as well as powerful, more dynamic scenes. The compositions are both cinematic and minimal, employing symbolism to evoke a distinct feeling or experience without prescribing a specific meaning. This allusive visual language is inspired by the artist’s interest in mysticism and spirituality but also appeals to our shared humanity and ability to communicate beyond the verbal. The characters are frequently placed within stark urban landscapes, where a featureless building might recede into the distance, the viewer invited to reflect on the profound stillness that envelops them. In this quietude, Howlett invites us to confront our own experiences of solitude, prompting an exploration of the delicate balance between isolation and connection in a fast-paced world.

Howlett’s painting process is slow and meticulous involving careful planning and a precise handling of oil paint. Working with a reduced palette, he heightens both focus and intensity within each composition. Gradual and subtle transitions between light and dark may appear mechanically sprayed or digitally generated, but are in fact the result of slow, precise brushwork. The use of slightly transparent pigments applied in a single layer lets the canvas ground remain visible in places, through a distinctive soft scratchy paint surface. Rooted in materiality and fused with the work’s presence and charge, these tactile qualities invite a meditative experience that reveals itself gradually over time.