I am beyond excited to be included in Arch Enemy Arts’ group show Imaginary Menagerie: Volume 7, where each artist was invited to create a work of art reimagining a mythical creature or fabled beast.
The focus of my piece for this show is the North German legend of the Nachzehrer (NACH-xera). Following its death and burial, the Nachzehrer is a creature that continues a desire to be closer to the loved ones it left behind. From the grave it projects illness to those it longs for, intending to draw them into death. As surviving family and friends grow increasingly weaker, the Nachzehrer below feeds on its funeral shroud. After all burial cloth is ingested, the Nachzehrer begins to devour its own body. Among the ways to identify the Nachzehrer is the strange detail that it is always holding its thumb in its opposite hand.
The gallery has been extraordinarily supportive of my work and this sculpture. To quote them on their social media:
“REAL TALK: We have seen thousands of artworks come through this gallery over the last 14+ years, and *very* few have stopped us in our tracks like this one did. “The Shroud Eater” by @paulnitscheart took more than 1,000 HOURS to create, with literally *every component* made by Paul, by hand. From sculpting and casting the fetal bones to building the wooden housing and creating the intricate goldwork embroidery, absolutely no computers or 3D printing were involved anywhere in this piece. The level of craftsmanship is so insane it’s hard to wrap your head around, even standing directly in front of it. With full confidence I will say, this is an absolute showstopper and a genuine masterpiece.
Also, at the risk of rambling on so long I lose your attention, you’re still going to need the story behind the piece’s inspiration. Short version? “The Shroud Eater” is based on the North German legend of the Nachzehrer (pronounced NAHK-TSER-UH), a creature whose longing for its loved ones survives death. From its coffin in the grave, it draws them closer through illness while feeding on its funeral shroud, and eventually, its own flesh.
(*whispers*: badass)
We can’t stress enough how impressive this piece is or how honored we are to have it here. Paul drove it all the way from Wisconsin to make its debut in IMAGINARY MENAGERIE VII tomorrow, 10/2 from 5-9pm, and we’re SO excited for you to see it. This one is special. Please, please do yourself a favor and make it a point to see this piece at some point before October is over. Pics don’t do it justice.”
My wife and I had a great time at the opening and had many wonderful conversations and comments from so many in attendance. I also appreciated all the other artists I met from the show and in Philadelphia and really felt I was among like minds.
A huge grateful thank you to Arch Enemy Arts’ Noah and Candice Musher, and Lawren Alice, who first saw my sculptures and invited me to be in this show. I look forward to working with them again.
The exhibition runs from October 2-25, 2026.
Arch Enemy Arts
109 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106