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Nick Holdsworth

Nick Holdsworth is a celebrated British contemporary artist whose work fuses digital artistry with nostalgic charm. Originally known for co-founding the cult fashion label Purple Om / Random in 1988, he later transitioned into fine art with a style that’s both distinctive and captivating.

His artistic process is a careful balance of technology and tradition. Nick begins by digitally retouching sourced images, enhancing and layering them through meticulous Photoshop work. He pixelates the subject and overlays it with a repeated, iconic graphic—often a brand logo tied to the figure he’s portraying.

Once the digital base is ready, Nick spends hours hand-finishing each piece. Through airbrushing, inks, stencils, pens, and brushes, he transforms monochrome mosaics into richly textured, vivid portraits. This fusion of past and future reflects his deep inspiration and gives his work a timeless, witty edge.

His portraits—bold, layered, and unmistakably original—have found admirers worldwide, including Queen’s Brian May and the family of Freddie Mercury.