Nicholas Pelekis | Kisses And Drowning Memories

Artist Statement

As a visual artist, Pelekis’ intention is to captivate viewers, encouraging them to pause and appreciate the intricate details within the work. Inspired by narratives, whether real or imagined, he derives pleasure from the often-overlooked minutiae. His artistic exploration pushes the boundaries of colour, shape, and texture. His inspiration is fluid, constantly evolving and influenced by current events and transient ephemera. 

His artwork serves as a visual representation of the world around him, weaving narratives of nostalgia and memories of past events. The process of layering paint, combined with the interplay between opacity and translucency, enables him to bring his artistic vision to life. This technique allows him to encapsulate the essence of their experiences and observations, creating a dialogue between his past and present.

The creation of Pelekis’ artwork involves a methodical approach to colour research, seamlessly integrated with intuitive mark-making, predominantly using highly pigmented acrylic paints of varying viscosities and employing tools more commonly found in a hardware store than an art supply shop. Each piece generally begins with an underlayer of abstract marks, which sets the tone for the painting’s development. The artwork then evolves through multiple layers of opaque paint and translucent washes, resulting in a complex and textured final piece. This process allows him to explore and express the full range of his artistic vision, producing works that are rich in detail and depth.

Artist Bio

Nicholas Pelekis, born in Athens, Greece, is a contemporary painter currently based in Adelaide, Australia. Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, Pelekis is best known for his innovative use of colour palettes and his exploration of visual narratives through colour, shapes, and texture. His work stands out for its ability to evoke emotional and intellectual responses by combining abstract forms with carefully considered compositions.

Pelekis’ practice is deeply engaged with cultural memory, identity and nostalgia, blending traditional and contemporary techniques to create meaningful and innovative pieces. His artwork often reflects a dialogue between past and present, and imagined narratives while exploring the intersections of personal and collective experiences. 

Nicholas Pelekis has exhibited his work in galleries across Australia, including Brunswick Street Gallery in Melbourne, Red Gallery in Melbourne, Liverpool Street Gallery in Adelaide, Light Square Gallery in Adelaide, Liminal Gallery in Geelong and Soho Galleries in Sydney.