“On the roll of the dice”
Life's gambles, up’s and downs
by chance.
His most formative years were spent in Brazil where, in addition to learning
Portuguese, he learned to adapt to a fascinating and variegated scene
where different cultural backgrounds and traditions blend together.
The Brazilian artist Di Cavalcanti was an early influence but after he started
painting seriously, the influence of Picasso, Mondigliani,and Chagall have
dominated his canvasses and sculptures.
“Secret of the Geisha”
Gossip in the silent world of suffering.
Nicholas Broughton’s inimitable tattooed contour lines, clarity of idea, image
and distinctive sense of colour attest to his daring individual stance
in making powerful impassioned statements.
“My paintings do not have to be considered beautiful as long as they make
people think and instill in them the desired emotion.”
Nicholas has had selected exhibitions in Australia, England and Brazil and is
represented in galleries throughout these countries. He has won various
national and international awards, and is an ambitious artist in the
sense that he wants to share his creative genius with
present and future generations.
This spectacular portrait of Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and his family, which
also features the Brisbane River, city skyline with cranes, and of course, City Hall,
went under the hammer at the Abused Child Trust's Annual Luncheon on Friday
2 September 2005. Passionate about making art accessible for all,
Broughton initially thought of the fundraising idea because he wanted to use
his craft to bring colour and joy to any room or wall, as well as to provide
the means of helping troubled children with hope and help.
“Too often we hear people talking about art in elitist terms. I want everyone to enjoy art
and be involved - whatever their age, income, health or well-being. A painting
should grab your attention whatever the subject, it should always evoke an
emotion and give a room a sense of atmosphere. I'm really happy that my
work is also going to help the Abused Child Trust provide a bit of help
and hope for abused children."
Nicholas's piece captures the essence of a happy and safe family in a really exciting,
and prosperous environment.
The fundraising luncheon was held at the Carlton Crest and attracted some of Brisbane's
most generous and well-respected individuals and companies.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and Lady Mayoress Lisa Newman said they were really happy
to help Mr. Broughton use his talent and skill to help raise money for
the Abused Child Trust.
"I think Nicholas's art is just wonderful and his thoughtfulness and generosity, as well as his
very practical idea to use his talent to help a charitable organisation that gives help
and hope to some of our most troubled young people is very inspiring,"
Lady Mayoress Lisa Newman said.
"Nicholas's work is bright and inspirational; the colours he uses are terrific and his
attention to detail is just wonderful," Mrs Newman said.
“Ample”
The solitary life of a socialite endowed with beauty
and wealth, alone in a pool a la outback.
Usually, Nicholas leaves his art works untitled. To him they seem to change in meaning
depending on what mood he is in and who he is showing them to. He believes the
paintings should take you in a certain emotional direction but the real pleasure should
come between the personal interaction with each piece of art.
People see things differently, feel things differently and react to life differently,
therefore a piece of art forms a unique relationship
with each individual.
“Talking to Clowns”
In memory of the late, great
Peter Sellers.
For further examples of Nicholas Broughton’s paintings please visit www.njbart.com
Should you wish to contact Nicholas to discuss any details regarding his
artwork, quotes for existing pieces, or commissions, feel free
to call him on (07) 5522 8587, or Email below.
Artists Profile Artists gallery Artists Website
Artists are often obsessive about their particular discipline and none more so than
West-African born Nicholas Broughton who considers a day without painting or
sculpting to be incomplete as he is a self-confessed “addict to the canvas”.
A fascination with the human condition and a childhood passion for painting and
sculpture have crystallized in him resulting in a desire to paint pictures that
are honest expressions of his inner feelings and personal experiences –
“from the heart”.
His varied background has no doubt contributed to this fascination for the vibrance of life
that he so confidently depicts in his paintings and sculptures. He was born in Mali,
in the part of Bamako which is now the home of the Malian jazz scene.
From Mali he moved to Brighton in England at the tender age of 16 months and from
there to Bangkok, Thailand, where he spent the next six years of his life
absorbing the colours, smells and tastes of the Orient.
He is of ethnically mixed parentage; his mother being Thai and his father English,
thereby incorporating two distinctive cultures in his life and work.