John Nixon

JOHN NIXON (Sydney, 1949-2020).
"Orange Monochrome. Construction with 5 coulours", 2000.
Enamel on wood on plexiglass.
Size: 36 x 28 x 2.5 cm.
The minimalist and abstract aesthetic of John Nixon's work is markedly influenced by Kazimir Malevich, an essential artist and theorist of the Russian avant-garde. Thus, "Orange Monochrome. Construction with 5 coulours" reveals a geometric abstraction planned on rational principles, aspiring to objectivity and universality.
John Nixon trained at the Preston Institute of Technology and the Melbourne National Gallery School of Art. He represented Australia at one of the most influential international exhibitions in the contemporary art world, Documenta 7, held in Kassel, Germany, in 1982. In Melbourne, a few years later, he founded the influential artist-run space Art Projects, where he was able to exhibit his own works as well as those of his contemporaries. As director of the Brisbane Institute of Modern Art in 1980-81, Nixon was a beacon of avant-garde sensibilities and practices. His curatorial work, small publications and experimental musical performances formed part of his wide-ranging practice, which included installation, collage, photography and video. His works are held in all major Australian state museum collections and in public collections in Denmark, France, Germany, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland and the United States.