Brighton architecture graduate named on Saatchi Rising Stars artist list

Nathan studied Architecture BA(Hons) at the University of Brighton and graduated in 2013, before turning to fine art. Working under the pseudonym Preston Paperboy, he has exhibited in London and Hong Kong, as well as several galleries in the USA, including Marcel Katz Art Gallery in Miami, plus a debut solo show at Belhaus in Phoenix earlier this year. His work was also featured in a 2019 interview with Forbes magazine.

Citing Basquiat, Banksy and Cy Twombly as creative influences, Preston Paperboy’s paintings fuse fragmented portraits with expressionist and street art style, peppered with brand logos and pop culture references, using paint and charcoal in multiple layers. Trademark images that appear in his paintings include a left eye to represent a window on the soul, and a distinct 'Smiler' logo in the shape of a frowning face with dollar signs for eyes.

Nathan Preston aka Preston Paperboy

Eat your veggies painting by Preston Paperboy

Speaking in Forbes magazine, he said: “I like the narrative of this visual poetry to be relatable and driven by fundamental human emotions - love, loss, envy and greed. I always challenge myself to contain the chaos into focus... I leave the viewer to fill in the gaps - there is no right or wrong.”

While studying at Brighton, he also co-founded a product brand called Paperboy. “That’s a project that’s been sidelined for a bit whilst we establish ourselves as ‘pro adults’... a resurrection is in the pipeline.”

As well as his Saatchi Art portfolio, you can see more of Preston Paperboy's paintings on Instagram.