Prior to attending The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Noel spent over a decade playing drums for Midwest regional and national touring bands. This attachment and sensitivity to rhythm influenced his newfound relationship with the paintbrush. In his visual works, the direct application of oil paint on canvas and use of repetition and movement creates a surface where the hand is visibly present. This base serves to lay groundwork for conversation within the piece and throughout the rest of Nissen’s practice.
Utilizing memory, imagination, and the sample to build paintings and drawings of nightlife scenes and landscapes bursting with color and activity, Nissen displays his diversity of aesthetic and draftsmanship. Having supported himself as an artist for 15 years through manual labor and service industry jobs, his lived experiences influence both his social community and perspective on meaning making. Nissen has shown his work at Mana Contemporary, SAIC Galleries, Side Practice Coffee, and Color Club In Chicago, IL.
Utilizing memory, imagination, and the sample to build paintings and drawings of nightlife scenes and landscapes bursting with color and activity, Nissen displays his diversity of aesthetic and draftsmanship. Having supported himself as an artist for 15 years through manual labor and service industry jobs, his lived experiences influence both his social community and perspective on meaning making. Nissen has shown his work at Mana Contemporary, SAIC Galleries, Side Practice Coffee, and Color Club In Chicago, IL.