Amanda Niekamp’s subjects are monuments – architecture, sculpture and land art – impressive in scale and ambition but rarely known for warmth. Her paintings and illustrations illuminate the human elements of the forms, with bold use of colour and a focus on the natural elements that serve to ground each work in its surroundings. Beginning with the raw structural form she directs the eye towards overlooked elements through an amplification of light, such as the raw stones used in the construction of Donald Judd’s Marfa ranch, the handrails of a staircase in the Tate Britain, or the breeze blocks that punctuate a Ricardo Boffill apartment complex. Her forms are playful, free of the rigidity and coolness that tend to dominate architectural documentation and celebrate the life that exists in and around these works. Monuments are human-made after all, and Niekamp observes them with a childlike wonder that elevates them into the realm of dreams.
-Written by Thomas Kolb, husband & musician
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Which ‘hood are you in?
I recently moved to New Westminster, BC, where I’m setting up my living and studio space. It’s just a short walk from the river and the quay, which I enjoy exploring for thrift shops and taking walks by the water. New Westminster was once the capital of British Columbia and has a rich, historic background. There are historic and older buildings and parks. Each weekday, I take the SkyTrain into Vancouver for my job managing a furniture and design store called Vancouver Special, located on a busy street known as “Main Street” which is filled with local businesses.
What do you do?
I specialize in painting and illustrating architectural spaces and land art pieces. My work often draws inspiration from local spots in British Columbia, or places I’ve visited. Alongside my artistic endeavours, I manage a furniture and design store that showcases contemporary designs from Scandinavian, Japanese, Italian, and other European styles, as well as local creations. The store’s owner, an architecture enthusiast, has curated a stunning collection of art and architecture books that fuel my creativity. Recently, I’ve embraced film photography, capturing the essence of spaces during my travels to inspire my paintings. When I’m not immersed in art, you’ll find me swimming in the ocean or embarking on island adventures, seeking nature’s rejuvenating embrace. Or, just being obsessed with my cat named Cheri.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on an exploration of Donald Judd’s property landscapes in Texas, where I seek to frame his minimalist forms within the vibrant context of their natural surroundings. Through painting, I aim to reveal the often-overlooked nuances of his geometric designs, highlighting the interplay of colour, light, and shadow that define these spaces. I am painting many stones of a coral on his ranch. By interpreting Judd’s work through a painterly lens, I aim to encourage viewers to engage more deeply with their surroundings. My goal is to create a dialogue between the man-made and the organic, highlighting how art can transform our experience of space. As the structures age, they gain a new narrative—one that speaks to the beauty of impermanence and the evolving relationship between art and environment.
Where can we find your work?
Right now, you can spot my illustration prints and paintings at Vancouver Special, Slice of Life Gallery, and TAS Gallery in Vancouver, BC. If you’re curious about what I’m cooking up next, take a peek at my latest creations on Instagram. Come join the artistic adventure!
