Nicolas Pol (b. 1977, Paris, France) spent much of his childhood in Africa before relocating to France, where he earned his degrees from the prestigious Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts, Paris, and at the University of Cinema, Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris. The influence of film and philosophy can be seen in his paintings. Pol marks the canvas through the action of the brush, his paintings become a metalanguage in itself; references to Paizer, a brand he created, references to NeverLodge, a theme park, references to native Americans, Mayan corn gods, and American films. Pol’s paintings are at once a serious commentary on themes like power, and a comical handling of other subjects, such as in his self-portrait. Feelings are captured in gestures creating a tension between the presence and the spaces without the color of the painting.