Artist Statement

Nick Metz was trained in Traditional Realism, and often looks to the Masters – from, say, VanDyck, Sorolla, Sargent and Tuke to, more recently, Cadmus, Mapplethorpe, Wiley and others – to help inform his craft. For Nick, the importance of Traditional Realism is no small matter; he found an understanding of the inherent beauty, message, and sensuality in the works of the Masters.  He believes that their implicit lessons are fundamental to every future artistic movement - whether traditional, adaptive, or rebellious in nature. Thus, Metz regards realism as a launching pad from which to form a common language with the viewer, and then to extend the boundaries of his ideas and views about contemporary subject matter.  While his current focus is on portraiture, he has also exhibited widely in still life and landscape. 

Metz’s current work seeks to explore and deconstruct the concept of masculinity. Specifically, Nick is focused on the role of masculinity in society and what “compromises” masculinity. What traditionally “feminine” actions or objects impact virility? What makes a man a man? Who/What determines masculinity? How and why do religion, race, culture, and background influence these determinations? Why does society label and condemn men who step outside the general guidelines of masculinity?  How is it that society fails to see the inherent courage – and traditional “masculinity” – in men who take those exploratory steps and embrace new paths?  Here, Metz employs classical styles and techniques to express this tension even more keenly by portraying men in a traditional (i.e., strong, if you will) manner, yet with a twist - and implicitly asking the viewer whether and how that matters.