Nick Flatt was born in the state of Texas, USA. Today he lives and works mainly in Berlin. Flatt is primarily known for his large photorealistic portraits. He prefers to work with professional models and stages them for his artworks. He often makes them look like Barbie dolls, for example in his work “Rebel”.
In this age of consumerism and massive advertising, it takes a lot to see what is most important in life. His photorealistic paintings fit perfectly with the idea of the American dream, because it allows him to recreate almost identical scenes from advertising. He creates them in a way that doesn’t make you want something. Rather, he creates a certain level of discomfort. His works may seem provocative and vulgar, but there is a whole picture behind them. An image that criticizes all the bad things that happen today. As well as all the broken dreams around the world. And all the injustices that are more present today than ever before.
Flatt believes that normal people love photorealism. It’s the kind of painting that’s easiest on the eyes and exudes a kind of magic. He works with models who are physically very similar to those in mainstream advertising. Flatt appeals to the viewer’s imagination and need for consumption. The idea is to exaggerate the messages of advertising to the point of discomfort. Through aggressive sexual gestures, facial expressions and poses, all this perfection seems almost false.
Ministry of Walls recognized the quality of Nick Flatt early on and has been collecting his great works ever since.
