Canadian visual artist
In the Studio: Art in the Digital Age
Erik Nieminen is a prominent Canadian visual artist based in Montreal, recognized for his complex oil paintings that blur the lines between urban realism and surreal abstraction. His work uniquely captures the essence of contemporary city life, intertwining elements of architecture, landscape, and the human experience. Through a meticulous layering technique, he creates visually striking pieces that invite viewers to explore the relationship between reality and imagination, prompting a deeper reflection on the urban environment. His artistic journey has led him to showcase his creations in various galleries and exhibitions, earning accolades for his innovative approach and thought-provoking themes.
Montreal Studio
Welcome back to another edition! Today we’re live in a Montreal studio with an artist who shares his space with his equally creative wife. We’re back diving into how he navigates creativity in a rapidly changing world, the merits of his process, and the ongoing debate around artificial intelligence in art.
The heart of our conversation focused on how the art world has changed, particularly in light of the pandemic and the rise of digital platforms like Instagram. The internet has pushed the visual arts forward in an “inevitable” progression that artists are quick to embrace, including new AI-generated mediums. This evolution has sparked both excitement and debate among artists and critics alike, particularly when it comes to the controversial topic of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). These digital assets have revolutionized the way art is bought, sold, and perceived, creating new opportunities but also raising questions about ownership, value, and authenticity.
Erik, however, doesn’t view AI as an existential threat but as a potential partner in creativity. In his perspective, he finds that purely AI-generated art often lacks the depth of true intellectual thought or composition that human creators bring to their work. Instead, Erik collaborates with the technology: he uploads photos of his paintings and sculptures and allows the AI to “fiddle with it” and create a new version. This unique partnership allows him to explore possibilities that might not have emerged through traditional methods alone. He then reclaims this AI-interfered image and works back into it, “pumping humanity back into the AI” to create a collaborative, unexpected new work—much like Neo interfacing with the Matrix, blending human intuition with machine efficiency to produce truly original creations.
Why oil? For an artist who takes up to three months to finish a single painting, the slow-drying nature of oil paint is essential. It allows for the reworking of areas over extended periods, unlike fast-drying acrylics, which can hinder the layering and detailing process. Erik views painting as the most “magical” of mediums, capable of creating space out of “colored mud.” His approach sees paintings acting as “transponders” or portals, transforming mundane subjects into something recontextualized and surreal. This process is not just a technical skill; it’s an exploration of emotion and thought, inviting the viewer to reflect and engage with the piece on multiple levels.
Interview
IN-DEPTH interview with PAINTER Erik Nieminen (Montreal-Berlin)
In our conversation, we also explore the stark cultural differences between Europe and North America through the lens of an artist who has called both home. Berlin’s identity, forged in the vacuum left after the Fall of the Wall, presents a fascinating backdrop. Derelict factories and abandoned buildings became a playground for squatters, artists, and “weirdos,” turning the city into a global creative hub. However, that vibrant era is now fading away. Much like London, Paris, and New York before it, Berlin is rapidly gentrifying. The very artists who made the city “cool” are being priced out by skyrocketing rents, leading to a significant transformation of the cultural landscape they once dominated. This raises important questions about the sustainability of artistic communities in urban environments and what happens when affordability clashes with creativity.
Whether in the heart of Berlin or a quiet corner of Montreal, the artist’s mission remains the same: to create a portal through the work. It’s an aspiration that transcends geography, connecting viewers to deeper narratives and emotions. Watch the full interview on our YouTube Channel
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Documentary
ANONYMOUS REALITY: Erik Nieminen (2020) Documentary
The Documentary captures a decade of his journey in the art world, showcasing the evolution of his unique perspectives and artistic style. The story takes us to Ottawa, Montreal, New-York City, London, and Berlin, exploring the vibrant art scenes and diverse cultures that have profoundly influenced his work. Each city serves as a backdrop for pivotal moments in his career, highlighting exhibitions, collaborations with fellow artists, and the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped his creative process. Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, viewers are invited to witness the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing a passion in the competitive realm of art.
Name and Occupation 