Artist Profile: Kelly Nicole

Origin: Jersey City, NJ, USA
Currently Exhibiting in: New York City

Website: Kelly Nicole Sullivan Fine Art

Social Media: Instagram

Bio:
Kelly Nicole is an artist whose vivid use of color and emotionally charged subject matter transform her canvases into portals to the human psyche. A self-taught painter, Kelly’s method of finger painting creates an intimate connection between herself and her work, with each stroke serving as an extension of her emotions. Her pieces evoke dreamlike, mysterious worlds, inviting viewers to explore the depths of their own emotional experiences.

Drawing solely from her imagination, Kelly’s paintings are immersive, filled with vibrant hues and abstract forms that challenge the viewer to feel rather than simply observe. Her journey as an artist is rooted in personal experiences, and she uses her unique technique to express themes of passion, introspection, and healing. Residing in Jersey City, Kelly continues to push the boundaries of conventional art, inviting others to step into the vast landscapes of their own minds through her finger-painted canvases.


Featured Artwork at Bushwick Gallery

1. The Hold

Year of Creation: 2023
Medium: Oil and Metal Leaf on Canvas
Dimensions: 40 inches x 30 inches
Price: $2,600
Location: Jersey City, NJ, USA

Description:
The Hold is a striking reimagining of Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, exploring the unsettling question: what if the woman didn’t want to be held? This deeply emotional piece challenges the viewer to consider the complexity of relationships, and how appearances can often conceal deeper truths. The rich, textured colors of the painting—crafted entirely with finger strokes and touches of metal leaf—evoke a sense of tension between beauty and discomfort, reminding us that not all that glitters is gold.

This work is part of Kelly Nicole’s Walking Towards the Sun collection, which chronicles her journey through the aftermath of an abusive relationship and the emotional challenges of moving forward. Finger painting allows Kelly to connect directly with her canvas, each stroke an expression of vulnerability and raw emotion. In The Hold, her use of oil and metal leaf highlights the tension between intimacy and control, making the piece both visually and emotionally powerful.


Exhibition Information

Group Exhibition: “Specters of the Subconscious”

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 17 / 6PM-8PM
Exhibition Dates: October 17 – October 28, 2024
Theme: Exploring the surreal and hidden aspects of the mind, Specters of the Subconscious invites viewers into dreamscapes and unspoken fears. Kelly Nicole’s The Hold offers a deeply personal contribution to the theme, using vibrant color and a unique finger-painting technique to explore the complexities of human emotion and relationships.