NICOLE VENTER
Solo Exhibition

OPENING EVENT: THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER 6PM-8PM

ABOUT SHOW
Nicole’s artistry beautifully intertwines the rich textures of Australian flora and fauna with Impressionist and Chinoiserie influences. Her large and oversized, immersive canvases, which pay homage to traditional wallpapers, evoke the enchantment of gardens bathed in morning light, creating “windows” into lush, symbolic spaces that invite luck, love, and well-being into the home. The figures in her portraits serve as voyeurs of these gardens, cast in shadows from the surrounding trees and flora. Each piece features bold brushstrokes that infuse energy and movement, enhancing the tranquil imagery shaped by traditional settings. Through her work, viewers are transported to vibrant realms that celebrate nature’s beauty and the emotions it inspires.

ARTIST PROFILE
Meet Nicole, an artist whose love for painting started back in her South African childhood, taught by a family friend who specialised in African birds. They also taught her poker, which has come in just as handy. The style stays true to the first thing she ever painted, a Kingfisher, chosen because its colours practically leapt off the page. As well as comic books, which she’d redraw every Archie character she could find, bringing them to life with her own flair.

Obsessed with the meaning hidden in nature and storytelling, Nicole believes birds, animals, and plants have a way of shifting our moods and filling spaces with energy. All her works have hidden meaning to bring love and positive energy to the home they are in. Her style is big and Impressionist, creating a sense of movement to her scenes, like you’re catching fleeting glimpses of flora or fauna while playing in a garden. Nature has always been her playground, especially at dusk, when the changing light casts a magical glow on everything.

Nicole’s creativity took a sentimental turn when her grandmother, a gifted creative, but terrible cook, gave her a painting of her favorite bird just before she passed away. That moment lit a spark, that later turned into a creative escape inspiring Nicole to jump back into art with full heart and bold brushstrokes. Her obsession with birds continues, and while in Australia she has the enjoyment of seeing so many characters in nature, she does remember her pet cockatiel Max perched on her shoulder, occasionally nibbling her hair, ever time she turns her hand at a portrait.

Nicole now finds colour inspiration along the Manly coastline, where morning walks continually renew her creativity.