Nicholas O’brien

I had an exceptional time visiting the Nicolas O’Brian closing. I was very beneficial, because when making art there’s two sides; there’s making the actual tangible piece for your viewer, and discussion of your art. I felt what was most unique about Mr. O’Brien, not only was he an amazing visual/ interactive artist, but his ability to convey the message of his art through a deeper lens for discussion. It was clear that he loved making his art, but he also enjoyed the research portion for him to get information on the topic. His ability at critiquing his own pieces was one of the best I’ve heard. I loved how he was able to bring light to things that would normally get over looked. His perspective on the vacant buildings in Illinois helped me with some of the ideas that have been revolving around in my head with this idea of systems. I was amazing how he was able to uncover how the housing market was directly affecting this ecosystem of these buildings, and why they were being demolished. I was lucky enough to interact with Mr. O’brien and was able to ask him questions about his work. I felt that he was very helpful and very concise. I was most interested in his ability on keeping his personal bias separated without compromising his work. He achieves this by doing a lot of research beforehand and making sure that his sources are reliable. I was also interested in the undertone of anger in his delivery. He explained that it was the style of his delivery that would lead me to think this, it was all intended to be part of the experience. He was an unique mind to pick and I’m glad I was able to do so.