Name: Nigel Cox
Genres: Figurative
Year of Birth: 1959
Nationality: Irish, Based in London

Artist statement:

London based artists Nigel Cox was born in Newry Co. Down Ireland and grew up on the edge of Dundalk, a small market town in County Louth. After graduating from Riversdale College of Technology in Liverpool he joined the Transglobe Expedition, led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. This three-year expedition successfully achieved the first circumnavigation of the globe on land, sea and ice via North and South poles along the Greenwich Meridian and changed his life forever.

During the expedition Nigel would be at sea, on an ice cap or in some remote location for months on end. Spending large amounts of time alone, surrounded by the staggering beauty of vast and often barren spaces had a profound affect and the essence of this experience strongly influenced his painting.

For many years after the expedition Nigel lived abroad, painting watercolours and oils, exhibiting and undertaking private commissions. Now living in London, he paints on canvas or linen, building up thin layers of oil paint and glazes to develop depth and detail.

His love of large open spaces and lack of clutter is obvious but he is also fascinated by detail. These opposing elements are merged confidently in his paintings providing the viewer with a glimpse beyond the clutter of everyday life, conjuring up notions of escape and peace, offering sanctuary from the frenetic world outside.

The figures are alone but not lonely; searching but not anxious, anticipating yet calm. They have an inner peace and strength and are at one with their surroundings. The paintings reflect solitude, tranquillity and confidence, giving every day scenes an unexpected and surreal feeling while keeping them within the real world.

His work today reflects the many facets of ‘his’ London from Business People and Tourists to Street Performers and the Homeless. Whatever the subject matter the essence of the paintings remains constant, calm and confident.

www.njcox.com