Dewey Nicks, American photographer and director

George Dewey Nicks III is a distinguished American visual artist, recognized for his significant contributions as both a photographer and a film director. His career, marked by a keen eye for culture and human expression, spans several decades, influencing the realms of fashion, advertising, and independent cinema.

Early Life and Artistic Foundations

Born in the vibrant city of St. Louis, Missouri, Nicks' artistic journey led him westward to California. There, he pursued his passion for visual storytelling, honing his craft at the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. This institution, celebrated for its rigorous programs in visual and applied arts, provided Nicks with a robust foundation in photography, shaping his distinctive style and approach.

A Distinguished Career in Photography

Upon graduating, Nicks immediately launched into a professional career that would firmly establish him as a leading figure in fashion and commercial photography. For over three decades, his evocative and often iconic work has been featured in some of the world's most influential magazines, including Vogue, the New York Times Magazine, and GQ, among many others. Beyond editorial spreads, Nicks has lent his creative vision to major advertising campaigns, crafting classic images for globally recognized brands such as Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis, and Ralph Lauren, helping to define their visual identities.

Transition to Directing and Acclaim

Nicks' creative ambitions soon extended beyond still photography into the dynamic world of commercial directing. This transition proved equally successful, earning him critical acclaim. He was honored with the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival Award for “The World’s Funniest Commercial,” a testament to his unique blend of humor and visual storytelling. His prowess behind the camera was further recognized with a Director's Guild nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials, cementing his reputation as a versatile and accomplished director. His compelling documentary, Hell House, premiered to significant attention, making its New York debut at the esteemed Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), a venue synonymous with modern and contemporary art.

Exploring American Culture Through Photography: The Kustom Project

Nicks’ deep fascination with the idiosyncratic facets of American culture found a powerful outlet in his first photography book, Kustom, published in 2000 by Greybull Press. This critically acclaimed volume was profoundly inspired by the very ideals and unique expressions that initially drew him to California. Through his lens, Nicks explored themes such as the vibrant car culture, the societal embrace of plastic surgery, and an overarching sense of energetic excess. These subjects, inherently Californian, allowed him to capture a distinctive cultural narrative, offering a nuanced and often provocative look at the pursuit of identity and pleasure in the Golden State.

Rediscovering the Past: The Polaroids of Women Collection

In 2018, a serendipitous discovery brought a significant new project to light. Nicks unearthed a forgotten box brimming with thousands of Polaroid photographs from his various photo sessions during the 1990s. These enigmatic snapshots, capturing women both posed and unposed, sometimes primed for the camera and at other times caught unaware, revealed a profound sense of comfort and ease between Nicks and his subjects. This candid intimacy is a hallmark of his portraiture. He shared this treasure trove with his frequent collaborator, the renowned book designer and publisher Tom Adler. The result was the compelling volume, Polaroids of Women, which features just over 100 of their most cherished images from the extensive collection. The book is further enhanced by an insightful foreword penned by the acclaimed designer and preservationist Brad Dunning, adding another layer of expert perspective to this intimate visual journey.

Venturing into Feature Films

In addition to his distinguished work in photography and commercial directing, George Dewey Nicks III also directed the feature film Slackers, released in 2002, further showcasing his diverse talents and his willingness to explore various narrative forms within the cinematic landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is George Dewey Nicks III primarily known for?

George Dewey Nicks III is primarily known as an accomplished American photographer and film director, with a career spanning over three decades in fashion, commercial photography, and directing.

What prestigious magazines and brands has Nicks worked with?

His photography has appeared in magazines such as Vogue, the New York Times Magazine, and GQ. He has also created advertising campaigns for major clients including Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis, and Ralph Lauren.

What significant awards or recognitions has he received for his directing work?

He won the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival Award for “The World’s Funniest Commercial” and was a Director's Guild nominee for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials. His documentary, Hell House, debuted at the Museum of Modern Art.

What themes are explored in his photography book, Kustom?

His first book, Kustom, delves into uniquely Californian themes such as car culture, plastic surgery, and energetic excess, reflecting the ideals and expressions that captivated him about the state.

What is the significance of the Polaroids of Women collection?

Polaroids of Women is a book featuring over 100 intimate Polaroid images from Nicks' 1990s photo sessions, discovered in 2018. It showcases the comfortable and candid relationship he shared with his subjects, with contributions from Tom Adler and Brad Dunning.

Has George Dewey Nicks III directed any feature films?

Yes, he also directed the feature film Slackers, which was released in 2002.