Bio
Nikolai Kleist Burkal is a self-taught artist, currently residing in Manila, Philippines. He works with both painting and photography, and focuses on styles of abstract and minimalist art. Through his art, he investigates compositions through colour and simplified forms, while exploring themes of structure and spontaneity, control and limitations. Nikolai has been working with watercolour and ink as they possess qualities of permanence, forcing him to be decisive during production. The acrylic works enable him to play with scale, as well as working with overlapping figures, and tighter compositions.
Nikolai grew up in Nuuk, Greenland, and has a background in music and composition, having gone to music schools during his years living in Denmark. In 2015 he finished an MBA in Art & Cultural Management at Paris School of Business/Institut d’Études Supérieures des Arts in Paris, France.
Between 2015 and 2022, he has been residing and working in Manila and been involved in various projects with Pineapple Lab, Golden Cargo Gallery, and Mono8 Gallery. He has also exhibited at various art fairs in Manila.
In 2022, he moved to Zurich, Switzerland, where is currently residing and continuing his practice.
Nikolai Kleist Burkal was born in Denmark in 1986.
Education
2014-2015
MBA in Art & Cultural Management at Paris School of Business/Institut d’Études Supérieures des Arts in Paris, France
2009-2012
B.Sc. in Economics and Business Administration at the University of Southern Denmark
Exhibitions
2022
Art Fair Philippines, as part of Mono8 Gallery, Manila
Art in the Park, as part of Mono8 Gallery, Manila
Xavier Art Fest, as part of Mono8 Gallery, Manila
2021
Migrating Boulders, solo exhibit at Golden Cargo Gallery, Manila
Art in the Park, as part of Mono8 Gallery, Manila
2020
Art in the Park, part of group show with Mono8 Gallery, Manila
2016
Movements Measured, solo exhibit at Pineapple Lab gallery, Manila, as part of the Filipino-Nordic cultural festival P-NOISE
Other
Performed an acoustic set of own compositions (2015), at saGuijo Bar, Manila