Nicholas James Gentry (born 29 May 1980) is a British artist from London. Much of his artistic output has been generated with the use of contributed artefacts and materials. He states that through this process "contributor, artist and viewer come closer together". His art is influenced by the development of consumerism, technology, identity and cyberculture in society, with a distinctive focus on obsolete media.
Drawing on recycled and obsolete technological materials as the grounds for his paintings, London-based artist Nick Gentry creates a conversation between digital and analog processes. Gentry constructs his painting supports out of materials such as film negatives, VHS cassettes, X-rays, and floppy disks. "These objects are no longer in the spotlight," the artist has said of floppy disks, "but by placing them there for a second it becomes easier to comprehend the speed and extent of the changes that are taking place today." Gentry often incorporates elements of these materials into his figures. The magnetic circles of floppy disks, for example, often serve as eyes in his portraits. He tries to avoid identifying age, gender and race and said his portraits are 'like a void to be filled' which enable people to bring their own identities to his work.
Such artistic works of social commentary have been featured in galleries in the UK, USA and in cities throughout the world. His work has been exhibited alongside established contemporary Young British Artists Mark Quinn, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin and also with notable street artists, such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey and Blek le Rat. As a result, he has been linked with both the Contemporary art and Urban art scenes in London.
Early life
Nick Gentry was born in Hampstead, London and grew up in the nearby market city of St Albans. He spent much of his childhood drawing and sketching. He attended Parmiter's School in Garston, Hertfordshire. He continued to study art at Ridge Street Art School and the University of Hertfordshire. During this time he was inspired by a visit to the exhibition Sensation at the Royal Academy of Art, signalling the arrival of the Young British Artists. He was later refused admission to Liverpool College of Art when he first applied, but attended the college after a subsequent application a year later. From there he progressed to graduate from Central Saint Martins in London in 2006.
Works
Film Negative and X-ray Artworks
A series of portraits created from used film negatives and X-rays which have been contributed by members of the public. The negative selection process is based on tone and by layering the film he creates the contrast and shape of the faces. Gentry has also used X-rays for the darker tones, noticeably in the hair section of the images which are back lit with LED. The use of these materials alludes to a collective identity that can be viewed from both emotional and biological perspectives. He observes that "today we go to great lengths to create a digital identity in addition to the actual lives we live, with the belief that these online records are only growing in importance and will outlive us".
Floppy Disk Paintings
A series of Generation X portraits on supports made from used computer disks, whose metal hub serves as the subject's profoundly un-humanlike eye. Adding to his haunting renderings are the handwritten labels, along with the disks' original blue, black, or grey colour contributing to the composite form. The disks are sourced entirely from public donation and this series represents Gentry's first foray into what has been described as 'social art'.
Sculptures and Public Displays
From 29 June until 6 September 2015 a commissioned sculpture by Gentry was publicly displayed in the Barbican Centre in London. Inspired by the Nucleic acid double helix form, a series of 21 giant sculptures were customised by artists and designers including Ai Weiwei and Zaha Hadid. The sculptures were auctioned at Christie's on 30 September 2015 to raise funds for Cancer Research UK and to help complete the construction of the Francis Crick Institute, a new biomedical research facility at London’s King’s Cross.
In the summer of 2018, Gentry created a rhino sculpture as part of the Tusk Rhino Trail. The project aimed to draw attention to the severe threat of poaching to the rhino. Each of the 21 rhinos were customised by artists such as Jonathan Yeo, David Mach and Marc Quinn. The works of art were put on public display at iconic London sites before being auctioned by Christie’s, raising funds for Tusk Trust conservation projects protecting rhino and other African species.