A 31-year-old self-taught artist, Nicolas Krauss is experiencing a meteoric rise, shaped by the universality of the subjects he sculpts, the roundness of their forms, and their made-in-France craftsmanship. An atypical sculptor who draws his inspiration from Pop Art culture...
“I wasn’t good at school. But ever since I was little, I’ve loved working with my hands and I dream big.” At 25, after a series of odd jobs, Nicolas was filled with regrets, mainly that he felt he had no control over his life and had given it no meaning. Things don’t always go as planned (editor’s note). It was during his last job as a hospital porter that the artist, who didn’t yet know he was one, had his awakening, opened his eyes, and revealed himself. “I was surrounded by surgeons, doctors, nurses… people fully committed to their work. I opened my eyes and started investing in myself.” From this introspection and deep dive into sculpture, a discipline he had never been taught - Teddy Love was born. A teddy bear with a big heart and chrome colors, expressing the rise of childhood, “a theme that speaks to everyone” and a reflection of his own journey. “I became passionate about cutting-edge technologies (3D), sculpture techniques (especially resin), and chroming.” A complete immersion in the art world that allowed him to develop a unique, fully made-in-France know-how. From resin molds and bases to hand-painted finishes and varnishing, Nicolas Krauss masters the entire production chain. Since 2019, he has owned his own machines and his 150 m2 workshop located 25 km south of Paris, where he is dedicated to refining his art and craftsmanship. An artistic stance and culture of excellence he regularly puts at the service of major French luxury brands.
Inspired by the Greats
After Teddy Love, a best-selling sculpture in the exclusive circle of contemporary French artists, Nicolas Krauss turned his attention to modern consumption and junk food with Fast Food. A sculpture depicting a packet of fries, a hamburger box, and a Coca-Cola cup at real scale (27 cm with the straw). “This theme speaks to everyone, the younger generation as well as those who grew up with McDonald’s, and brings out a lot of emotion.” It renders timeless and eternal an ephemeral moment of consumption, summed up as “we like it, we eat it.” Having already sold 7 out of 8 pieces, he is preparing to produce his 4 artist’s proofs to meet demand. In just a few years, after early beginnings on Instagram and online where he was first spotted by small galleries and then major ones, Nicolas Krauss has won the hearts of clients and collectors with his pop art creations. An artistic trend inspired by great contemporary artists such as Richard Orlinski (for his colors), Jeff Koons (for his chromes), and Daniel Arsham. After creating a one-meter high Teddy Love in pearl white and gold, Nicolas is now working on a globe-trotting Teddy carrying a backpack filled with round balloons. A long learning and adjustment process that will take months, but doesn’t intimidate someone who “learned everything on the job.”
From a life of neglect to a life of excellence, Nicolas Krauss now stands under the spotlight of an art scene the whole world is fighting over. Bravo, artist!
| In Paris, artist Nicolas Krauss and his Teddy Love sculptures are represented by the OA Fine Art gallery. Located at 15 rue de Miromesnil in Paris 8, this contemporary art gallery showcases numerous internationally renowned artists.
Tel: + 33 (0) 1 40 07 51 46
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Nicolas Krauss – OA Fine Art – @studioetty