Meet the Artist: NONECK
A Glimpse into the Journey of a Maximalist Painter
When I first met NONECK, I was immediately captivated by his art, so much so that I bought a piece right away. It was a collaborative limited edition, signed, print he made with a photographer named Johnny Boy. Shortly thereafter, we installed a show, with larger-than-life pieces, in the windows, at the Port Authority Art to Ware that just ended on December 14th. Sitting down with NONECK for this interview, I got a deeper look into the world of this Bed Stuy-based artist whose work seamlessly critiques its own narrative while “breaking the 4th wall”. Our conversation spanned his artistic evolution, the influence of music on his work, and his thoughtful creative process. I am excited to share parts of this conversation with you!
From a young age, NONECK was drawn to visual arts, dreaming of becoming a cartoonist or illustrator. His time at an art school in Seattle was a pivotal moment; while his college classmates leaned toward smaller, more commercial works, NONECK naturally gravitated toward creating large, dynamic paintings.
This experience solidified his path as a fine artist. Today, his work incorporates traditional materials like goldleaf, poly vinyl acetate, and neon blended with vibrant, maximalist colors to create kinetic, thought-provoking pieces. This bold energetic style is why I like it so much.
Music plays a role in NONECK's studio practice. He shared his love for Sufi music, jazz icons like Alice Coltrane and Robert Glasper, and ambient artist Brian Eno. These sounds set the tone for his meditative creative process, which often involves working on multiple pieces at once. He describes his studio, currently in Ridgewood, New York, as a colorful and vibrant space where music inspires the rhythm of his art, from the slow drying times of the paint to the deliberate layering of his storytelling. He shared that his pieces take months and months to finish sometimes.
A standout aspect of NONECK's journey is his connection to spaces and communities. Having lived and worked in Bushwick for over a decade before moving, he watched the neighborhood transform. Beyond NYC, NONECK has cultivated international ties, notably in Zurich, where he sells his work and has collaborated on music recordings and performances.
As we wrapped up, we discussed his ongoing collaboration with Johnny Boy, where NONECK adds his distinct narrative language to Johnny’s portraits. His irreverent yet pragmatic approach to creating art ensures that nothing is considered "precious" until the work is complete.
If NONECK's expressive world of art has you curious to know more, he’d love to welcome you to his studio! You can reach out via our website, to schedule a visit, and maybe I’ll pop in with you, or connect with him directly on Instagram at @nonecklovesyou.
~ Lesley Ware
