ABOUT

Nathan Malak’s work documents the effect of the surrounding environment on interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. Generally focusing on his own experiences as a Thai/American dual-citizen, his work narrates his ongoing journey to find a place in both of his heritages. Having grown up working in his family’s Thai restaurant, food is a quintessential motif to express this journey. Food - being a necessity that viewers of all backgrounds and upbringings have inherent connections to - has served as an effective tool to reflect his experiences and perspectives. This emphasis on food and the nature of its consumption, along with loose brush work and vibrant coloring that intentionally overshadows important aspects of the artwork, puts the viewer in the mindset of Nathan as he dines.

 

Nathan Malak is a multidisciplinary artist working and living in Southampton, New York. Malak completed his BA in Studio Art with a Concentration in Drawing, Painting, and Printmaking from Stony Brook University, with minors in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and Digital Art. Despite primarily working in oil paint, he also works in muraling, sculpture, and site-specific installation to transport the viewer into the hypothetical domain of his mind. His paintings have received numerous awards including the URECA 2023 Provost Purchase Award, the 2023 Staller Center Award for Excellence, the URECA 2023 Dean of Students Art Competition Honorable Mention, and the 2023-2024 Sunwood Presidential Art Exhibition Award. His artwork belongs to the permanent collection of Stony Brook University.