MEET THE GALLERY | THOMAS NICKLES PROJECT | New York
MEET THE GALLERY is an interview series highlighting returning exhibitors and first-time VOLTA galleries. More than simply experts, these VOLTA exhibitors are supporters of young and mid-career artists and provide insights on their presentation at the fair.
MEET THE GALLERY introduces Kristen Thomas and John Nickles, founding partner and co-owner of THOMAS NICKLES PROJECT in New York.
Dear Kristen Thomas and John Nickles, we are excited for you to join us at VOLTA New York in May. Tell us a bit about your gallery and your journey in the art world.
Kristen Thomas, Co-Owner of THOMAS NICKLES PROJECT
John Nickles, Co-Owner of THOMAS NICKLES PROJECT
John Nickles: Thomas Nickles Project opened in August 2020 on Orchard Street in New York City's Lower East Side. My partner, Kristen Thomas, and I traveled to Cuba for the first time in 2016 and discovered a whole universe of art we didn’t know about. We both have backgrounds in art and design and as collectors we were so impressed with the work and became passionate about providing a platform for Cuban voices in NYC.
We started small, first sharing the work with friends and colleagues, then hosting pop-up exhibitions and eventually opening the gallery at 47 Orchard Street. Cuban art specialist Haydée Oliva joined the team two years ago and together we are striving to create a program of Cuban voices with artists who live in Cuba and abroad. We are focused on building community and helping in bringing awareness about Cuban culture in its complexity.
Which artist are you bringing to VOLTA?
Kristen Thomas: Thomas Nickles Project will show a solo presentation with William Perez. The Cuban born artist is trained as a sculptor and his body of work spans across disciplines, themes, and continents.
What encourages you to support young and mid-career artists?
Kristen Thomas: We believe that working with young and mid-career artists is a privilege. As we are a fairly young gallery, working with those who are at the beginning of their careers is a strong constant of mutual growth. It’s fulfilling to have a front row seat to an artist finding their own voice and thrilling when their career takes off.
Which advice would you give to the next generation of collectors that are making their first steps into the art world?
John Nickles: Buy what you love, buy what you want to live with and buy something that speaks to you. You may not even understand the work at first but over time it’s likely to reveal something about itself to you and maybe something about yourself as well.
The artist William Perez in his studio.
William Perez, Angry Monkey 1, 2021, Acrylic Paint Pen on Canvas, 60" x 60" x 2"
Follow THOMAS NICKLES PROJECT on Instagram at @thomasnicklesproject.