Jeff Nachtigall

Nachtigall’s work examines popular culture narratives, riffing on the contemporary zeitgeist. Play is a cornerstone of his practice and often masks a subversive intension that both mirrors and critiques the politics of our time.

His unapologetic approach is both sardonic and philosophical, firing a warning shot over the bow of ideological fixations. An acquired brain injury in his early teens altered his brain and changed his life, resulting in a disinhibition that has seen his work both celebrated and censored.

Formalism collides with punk rock and folk art sensibility. His pop culture mash-ups explore the liminal space between the natural and built environment. The animal kingdom acts as our proxy, as his paintings are noticeably devoid of the human figure, replaced by a colourful bestiary cavorting in fantastical landscapes that echo scenes from speculative fiction.

Pragmatism is key to his methodology as he employs an egalitarian approach to materials, subject matter, and mark making; disregarding and challenging traditional and historical art world hierarchy’s. These high and low art art sensibilities converge resulting in non linear narratives that engage the viewer as an active participant, asking them to complete the conversation that the painting begins.