ABOUT THE ARTIST            

Nina was born in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, and spent her formative years in Amsterdam. In 1994, she pursued her studies at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy, a prestigious university of applied sciences for Fine Arts and Design. After her education, she made the deliberate decision to "paint from life." In 2001, she traveled to various countries before ultimately settling in New York.

From a young age, Nina's profound curiosity about the human mind inspired her to create art that reads like a story or a poem. As a child, she often desired to be a foreigner, eager to gain new perspectives on society and break free from the social norms of her native country. This quest for freedom became her motivation to explore the world, and she embraced her identity as a first-generation immigrant in the United States. Her artworks vividly capture the stories she has experienced, observed, and learned, encompassing significant social and environmental themes that resonate with her audience.

"My works are narrative poems about life. They arise from my insatiable curiosity about the mind, soul, and society, and then embark on their journey."

ARTIST STATEMENT

My creative process began early in my life, driven by an insatiable curiosity about the mind and soul and how these elements relate to my own experiences. Inspired by my personal life, my artwork began to study and reflect integral aspects of society, popular culture, and their complexities. My work explores strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections; it serves as a mirror reflecting individuals, groups, and issues relevant to society.

“The moment I recognized that art was my voice, I spoke out and have never held back since.”

I aim to provoke feelings, thoughts, and dialogue through various art forms. This cognitive triangle is essential for our growth, innovation, and understanding of our role in the world. As such, the observer is always a crucial part of my pieces. I do not aim to shock or dictate what they feel or think; that is part of their personal journey.

My works encompass multiple art media, which I use freely throughout my collections. These media serve as my building blocks to create unique experiences. As a contemporary painter, my pieces convey a sense of constraint and tension through a dance of sharp shadows and lines, symbolizing movement, vibration, and sound. By adding layers, I transform a flat, two-dimensional canvas into a three-dimensional experience.