About the exhibition

This exhibition features works created over the past five years by NIAD artist Nathan Lam. A survey of the artist’s practice, this collection includes works on paper that predate his time in the NIAD Studio. From charcoal still life drawings, to comic style illustrations branded with his signature “Lamic”, and generously applied acrylic paintings of mountains inspired by a summer trip to Alaska. We offer a look into the different ways Nathan Lam works. 

On view in NIAD’s Main Gallery through Friday August 26.

About Nathan Lam

I am a Chinese American writer and visual artist. I am Autistic. I don’t think my Autism is important in my practice yet, but I have thought about how to explore it more. I have nothing to hide. I may want to bring it up one day but I don’t speak for other people. I only speak for myself and my own life experience. 

My drawings bounce between realism and comics. Some of my writing is about humor. Some of my art is sarcastic or cynical. I sometimes use censorship as a form of comedy. I like adult or dark humor, such as the Pearls Before Swine comics. I feel that some of my art is too profane or dark to share at NIAD, so that art remains private to me. 

One of my major influences is the Chinese comic series Old Master Q. As a homage to Old Master Q, I include numbers in the top right of my cartoons. When I was younger Garfield was an inspiration to me; currently New Yorker cartoons and Silent Era film comedies are more often sources of interest. Some of my art is influenced by The Simpsons but that might be a mere coincidence.

Learn more about Nathan Lam’s practice.

View “Works by Nathan Lam” in NIAD’s online gallery

Related Events

Friday August 12, 1:00PM // Virtual Artist Talk + Curator Walkthrough with ASL and Spanish language translation provided.

Saturday August 13, 1-4:00PM // Gallery Reception at NIAD Art Center

In-person event accessibility:

There are no stairs to enter the NIAD Art Center building. The building is one level. The sidewalk has multiple curb cut-outs and is wide enough for a wheelchair. The building does not have automatic doors. Our restrooms are accessible to people using mobility devices. We do not have gender neutral restrooms. The NIAD Gallery is wheelchair accessible. Accessible restrooms are available.