Niels Oeltjen aka Nails was born in 1976 in Hanover, Germany, and grew up in small coastal towns in Tasmania. Early flirtation with graffiti developed into new forms, and in 1998 he completed a Bachelor of Fine Art at the University of Tasmania. He has been exhibiting his artwork since 1997, and has been shown in numerous solo and group shows in Australia and overseas.
In addition to accomplishments as a fine artist, Niels is well known for his street work and is considered to be an innovator in the local scene. As an active member of the local art community he has embarked on many self-generated projects in publishing, exhibitions, clothing and mural projects.
His focus is on using grassroots ways of getting things done (and shown), and exploring alternative world views, in the process celebrating things that tend to be ignored in contemporary urban life.
This exhibition was featured in the Lose Yourself in Melbourne campaign.