The National Herald - USA
Nicholas Kontaxis Art Exhibition ‘I’m Just Like You’ on View thru Sept. 30 in NYC
By Eleni Sakellis
NEW YORK – The art exhibition titled ‘I’m Just Like You’ by Greek-American Nicholas Kontaxis opened at the High Line Nine gallery, 507 West 27th Street in New York City, on September 8 and is on view through September 30. The impressive works on display captivated all those present at the opening reception and highlight Kontaxis’ remarkable talent as an artist.
Kontaxis, 27, “is a self-taught artist whose abstract expressionist paintings communicate a unique passion for life,” as noted in the UTA Artist Space press release about the exhibition.
Born with a brain tumor that causes significant and frequent seizures, Kontaxis began painting as a teenager and has created an expansive body of work. His solo exhibitions include West Contemporary in London, Heather James Fine Art in Palm Springs, Gilman Contemporary in Sun Valley, TAO in Chicago, and Anne O Art in Atlanta. His work has been commissioned by Adidas at Coachella, the Los Angeles Chargers, and Kaiser Permanente Hospitals, among other collectors.
Kontaxis has had numerous sold-out, solo shows in Los Angeles, London, Chicago, Atlanta, Palm Desert, and Sun Valley. Though his paintings have been compared to those of artists such as Sam Francis and Jasper Johns, Kontaxis’ dynamic works are unique, enchanting the viewer with vibrant colors and textures.
With atypical motor function and neurodiversity, Kontaxis has found a powerful means of expression in painting. As noted in the exhibition press release, Kontaxis’ speech consists of short utterances which are documented while he paints and often become the imaginative titles for his works such as Got Issues, That Would Be Me, Unlock Doors, Oh No! My Hair is Puffy, Corn on the Cob, and Put Your Beanie On. The profound titles of the works in I’m Just Like You are deep articulations of his inner life, voiced on the canvas.
“Nicholas’ new creations embody his distinctive artistic perspective and highlight his profound connection with abstract work. We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with him and showcase his incredible collection of new pieces at our first pop-up event in New York,” said UTA Fine Arts executive Bridgette Baldo.
Among those present for the opening reception on September 8 were the artist himself along with family members, friends, and art enthusiasts from all walks of life as well as Consul General of Greece in New York Dinos Konstantinou. Also present were filmmaker George Stephanopoulos and his wife Elena who are friends of the Kontaxis family for many years.