Nikos W. Dettmer is master of an art, which the established term of fine art painting captures only to a degree.
It is not only his devotion to detail, his precision of observation and depiction, which fascinate; his paintings shine out towards the observer. They are shaped by the old technique of glaze painting, the application of extremely thin overlaying coats of paint. Part of the light travels twice through these layers. It penetrates them on the way to the reflective priming, then undergoes a second metamorphosis, before it leaves again through the uppermost layer of colour. 
Light between the layers of colour and direct reflection merge on the flawless looking surface. This lends a special colour magic to the pictures. In this technique, Nikos W. Dettmer creates paintings of gem-like radiance, which from their consistency alone already appear precious. And precious they are, being admirable results of a perfect balance between art and craft. 
 
Fine art painting is beyond time, it uncouples itself from the fashions of art history, and from the “isms” of the modern age. Its ability to lead an independent life for its enthusiasts beside the normal business of the art market, is as robust as the resistance of its technique to ageing. It does not need big events such as the Kassel documenta, art fairs and the Venice Biennale. The preciousness of the works can be deduced from the objects themselves and from the love of the owners for their valuables. Therefore, paintings of Nikos W. Dettmer are almost more for the vault of a connoisseur than for the bazaar of vanities. And they will stay special when the caravans searching for innovation within the contemporary art will have passed by. 

Dr. R. Schreiner
(art historian)