This Wednesday, the Leila Heller Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan opened its newest exhibition “Rigorous Perception” featuring the talented Nick Moss.
Born in Metamora, Michigan, Moss worked for a crop farm and industrial contracting company- where he grew his knowledge of metallurgy and fabrication. Years later- in 2014, Moss redirected his extensive skill set towards personal creative ventures, developing it into what it is today. Working without the help of studio assistance, each piece is meticulously crafted by the artist behind the safety of a full face welding helmet.
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“Rigorous Perception” is a two part show- divided by subject matter and execution. The first room of the show features a series of high gloss steel “canvases” emblazoned with the female nude. “Painted” using a technique called Gas Metal Arc Welding, the nudes are quite unconventional in delivery. Viewing the work is a multidimensional experience- as the medium propels the image beyond a traditional canvas. The arc welding treatment creates a texture above the metal’s surface, simultaneously bringing the piece towards the viewer while pulling the viewer closer to the work itself.
The second room of the show was all too familiar. Filled with giant emojis, the room evoked the mood of a millennial texting conversation- blue peace signs, smilies dawning sunglasses and smirks, reminding us to bring an air of light into an industry that can find itself to be all too serious.
