Art Review: 'Breakfast' by Nikki Gerak
Breakfast - Painting, Acrylic on Canvas. Size: 59.9 W x 59.9 H x 1.5 D cm
Nikki Gerak's "Breakfast" is an expressionistic celebration of bold colour, quirky forms, and a touch of the surreal, capturing an intimate moment of morning ritual. This acrylic-on-canvas piece draws us into a vibrant world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. With its striking blue figure, oversized eyes, and exaggerated smile, the piece challenges traditional representation, blending playful absurdity with a sense of calmness that feels both inviting and disconcerting.
At the heart of the work is the titular breakfast – a solitary fish presented on a checkered tablecloth – a curious subject that contrasts the vibrant human presence. The choice of fish might seem trivial, yet within the context of this work, it becomes a symbol of simplicity, ritual, and the unexpected, adding depth to the otherwise light-hearted tone. The contrast of the figure's bright blue skin and the warmth of the background colours (reds and whites) creates a dynamic tension, highlighting the artist's expertise in balancing emotion with abstraction.
Gerak's use of acrylic paints and oil pastels, along with her organic, intuitive approach to the creative process, lends the painting a sense of spontaneity. The fluid brushstrokes and broad application of colour speak to the artist's playful experimentation, while the structured use of rubber stamps and short phrases embedded into the work invites the viewer to interpret layers of meaning.
Stylistically, "Breakfast" sits comfortably within the realms of contemporary figurative art, street art, and modern expressionism. It taps into the joy of playful abstraction while maintaining a connection to figurative reality, making it accessible yet open to interpretation. The vibrant colour palette, particularly Gerak’s use of striking blues and reds, is central to the painting’s character, drawing attention to the emotional vibrancy of the subject.
Nikki Gerak's artistic journey from Hungary to London, and her fine art background combined with a degree in Design, shines through in her work. "Breakfast" is not just a snapshot of a mundane moment; it is a quirky exploration of personality, mood, and colour, inviting us to reflect on our own rituals and the underlying absurdities of everyday life.
For those with a taste for expressive, contemporary art that plays with form and meaning, "Breakfast" is an unmissable piece – one that both delights and challenges, all while delivering a punch of fun and thought-provoking colour.
The painting is available to buy.