Nick Howson
b. 1963
Nick Howson is a distinguished painter and illustrator who arrived in Australia at age five in 1969. He completed a Diploma of Fine Arts at Prahran College, Melbourne, in 1986. He is celebrated for his vibrant mosaic-style paintings, characterised by layers of oil paint that create patchwork-like compositions. His signature technique involves layering oil pigment on coarse Belgian linen, creating atmospheric works that evoke a sense of timelessness.
Howson's art emphasises the expressive power of abstraction through shape and colour, featuring a striking aesthetic that blends naivety with hieroglyphic imagery and medieval influences. His artworks capture the rich visual poetry and humour of everyday life, offering insights into shared human experiences, reflecting quintessentially Australian themes - from cricket pitches and football matches to rural landscapes, inner city factories, majestic animals and native flora and fauna.
Throughout his career, Howson has made significant contributions to public art in Australia, with notable commissions including posters for the Australian Open Tennis and illustrations for the Sunday Age, Eat Streets. His most prominent works include murals at Richmond Railway Station in Melbourne. Howson’s art is featured in several prestigious collections across the country, solidifying his place in the contemporary art world.
