Beguilingly colorful, balancing opulence with restraint, Nikolaus Lists (b. Frankfurt am Main, 1965; lives and works in Berlin) pictures scrutinize the relation between nature and art. Observations of natural scenes around Berlin blend with the artificiality of baroque gardens or early videogames. As List studies the operation of human perception, the painted space alternates between the depth of one-point perspective and a schematized flatness. The rhythmically organized compositions suspend the hierarchical distinction between foreground and background, an effect that is heightened by the often dissonant selection of colors and lends Lists art a decidedly anti-sublime and anti-minimal quality. A fallen tree, luminous rampantly growing and coiled branches become a metaphor for our relationships, our existence, for becoming and passing away, renewal and time.

Nikolaus List studierte bei Thomas Bayrle, Peter Kogler und Christa Näher an der Staatlichen Hochschule für Bildende Künste - Städelschule in Frankfurt. Er hatte Lehraufträge für Malerei an der Kunsthochschule Berlin-Weissensee und dem Berlin Art Institute.