© Nathaniel Mary Quinn, courtesy of Pace LondonArts+Culture / LightboxThe blood of violence and academia clash in this new showNathaniel Mary Quinn's expressive, cubist-fuelled creations confront the complexity of identityShareLink copied ✔️August 28, 2014Arts+CultureLightboxText India Van Spall Brooklyn-based artist, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, is bringing his Cubism and Baroque to the contemporary art market. Showcasing at Pace London from September 5th, Quinn's bold, abstract works deal with the "visions" that embody both his childhood upbringing and present experiences. The disassembled facial features emblazoned on a large scale, capture the essence of Quinn's unimaginable background. Growing up in Chicago, Quinn was witness to the heightened hostility, violence, and poverty inherent in the community, his open perspective of society has translated itself into relentless artistic expression. "So many years later, I continue to yearn for my family, although I prefer to be in love with their absence rather than their presence. My confidence and aggressiveness, the blood of violence that continues to run through my veins as well as the blood of academia and artistic progress," are the various factors that contribute to the construction of Quinn's identity. Nathaniel Mary Quinn Citing Freud's agressive paint stroke and Bacon's immediacy of emotion as capitvating influential factors, Quinn notes: "I find myself perpetually intrigued by the courageous break from traditional perspectives on art production that are widely known throughout all of the modern art period: it's a widespread re-interpretation of reality." Quinn's practice is not an attempt to symbolise an experience or emotional disposition, but to bring to the surface buried memories and emotions that previously lay dormant. Highlights of the exhibition include Monique and Diane, whose contorted facial expressions and distinct characters create a visual representation of Quinn's inner-subjectivity – beautiful yet melancholic. A firm believer in the contemporary art program at Pace, Quinn said, "It's my aim to sustain the prowess of the gallery’s exhibition practice." Past/Present will be exhibiting from September 5 – October 4 at Pace London. Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingK-Pop superduo V8 don’t care if you think they’re old-fashionedAs they release their debut collaborative record, SEVENTEEN members THE 8 and Vernon speak on hyperpop, easter eggs for fans, and rebelling against the K-Pop trend cycleMusicBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaDazed LeagueGeneration soccer: 8 game-changers on why the game matters for AmericaDazed LeagueInside Dazed League, a tribute to soccer in North AmericaFashionRagebait runway cameos are fashion’s most embarrassing trendMusicBjörk on nature, new music and working with AI: ‘I’m a digital craftswoman’Art & PhotographyThe most loved photo stories of June 2026Film & TV7 films to watch if you loved Obsession BeautyNude awakening: Meet the young people embracing naturismEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy