Untitled 1974

Robert Nickle created this collage on paper. It's a subtle, almost ghostly composition, made up of different pieces of what looks like aged paper. I love the way Nickle embraces process. The various textures and tones speak of time, use, and maybe even some history. See how the paper isn't pristine? It's stained, worn, and creased - Nickle seems to be saying that imperfection is where the beauty is. Look closely and you will see that the shapes are geometric, but the overall effect is organic and free. The pale greys and creams create a quiet, contemplative mood. There's a sense of layering, like peeling back the skin of time. It reminds me a little of Schwitters' collages, but more delicate. Both were masters of finding beauty in the discarded. This piece invites us to slow down, look closer, and find poetry in the everyday.