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Michael Nicholson was an influential British-born artist who contributed to the visual arts in Australia and New Zealand as a sculptor, painter, filmmaker, and sound artist.
Early Life and Education
Born in Newark, Nottinghamshire, England, Nicholson’s early years were shaped by both military and creative influences, with connections to the distinguished Nicholson family of artists. He attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst (1933–36) and later studied at the City and Guilds School of Arts and Crafts in London (1938–39). World War II interrupted his progression, but after serving in France and Burma, he returned to art, furthering his studies at the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts and becoming a lecturer.
Australian and New Zealand Career
Nicholson migrated to New Zealand in 1955 to teach at the University of Auckland, then settled in Australia from 1960–1986. In Sydney, he invigorated sculptural practice and became president of the Society of Sculptors and Associates in 1966. He was pivotal in bringing international modernist ideas into the region.
Artistic Practice and Major Exhibitions
A defining highlight of Nicholson’s career was his inclusion in the 1968 exhibition 'The Field' at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne. "The Field" is widely celebrated as a landmark show that introduced colour field, hard-edge, and geometric abstraction into mainstream Australian art. Nicholson’s work—along with that of 39 other artists—was presented in the inaugural exhibition of NGV’s new building, a radical moment still referenced in Australian cultural history. Beyond "The Field," Nicholson was a regular exhibitor in the Mildura Sculpture Triennials during the 1970s and participated in the 1976 Sydney Biennale, all foundational events in contemporary Australian practice. He was also part of the Graphic Arts Exhibition by Sydney Printmakers at Blaxland Galleries in 1961.
Later Years and Legacy
Nicholson returned to New Zealand in 1986 and continued his cross-disciplinary experiments into his final decade, publishing "Visual Language Games" at age 101 in 2017. His career is distinguished by its relentless innovation and commitment to emergent art forms. His multimedia approach and experimental spirit made him a unique figure in both countries’ art histories.
Featured Artwork: ORPHIC No. 7 (1992)
"ORPHIC No. 7," currently available at Art Nomad, exemplifies Nicholson’s late explorations of visual language and abstraction. The term "Orphic" echoes the Orphism movement's focus on pure, lyrical abstraction—using colour and form to communicate beyond representation. In this work, Nicholson interweaves linear motifs and geometric harmonies to evoke a sense of spiritual resonance and musicality, reflecting his lifelong interest in bridging visual and auditory experiences. "ORPHIC No. 7" stands out as a culmination of Nicholson's experiments in both structural and lyrical composition.
Major Collections:
Michael Nicholson’s legacy is marked by innovation, institutional engagement, and a radical contribution to colour field, Contemporary sculpture and geometric abstraction in Australasia.
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