About Nick Morley

Nick Morley is an artist and illustrator working in London. His ideosyncratic and witty take on the human condition comes to life through portraits, text pieces, books and interactive artworks.

Nick uses traditional print media like etching and linocut to give his portraits a sense of gravitas. In this way a seemingly frivolous subject is lent an unexpected importance, forcing the viewer to re-evaluate his or her preconceptions.

Nick often works in series, the subjects of his portraits being bound by some common activity - hunting, wrestling or beard growing, for example. The portraits are usually in frontal poses, reflecting their photographic origins. As well as the artist's own photographs, the internet provides a rich supply of source material.

Alongside his print works, Nick often invites audience participation in an activity. He once screenprinted the Queen's face onto cakes and asked people to decorate them further. At an exhibition of portraits of bearded men the audience was provided with materials for making their own beard so as not to feel left out.

Nick has exhibited widely across the UK and abroad. His work was featured on BBC2 in a documentary about the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition when it was picked out as a favourite by comedian Vic Reeves. Illustration clients include Penguin books and Prospect magazine.

Life so far

About Nick Morley