The way we see changes everything
Whenever I am in London, a visit to Tate Modern is almost inevitable. Not only because of the incredible art you can experience there. But because this place changes something about the way I see. Every time I return, I discover new connections, experience familiar works differently, and am reminded of how much context shapes what we perceive.
This year, many different places have accompanied me: the work of Tracey Emin in London, the Gerhard Richter exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, the Reinhard Ernst Collection in Wiesbaden, and Art Karlsruhe.
Completely different experiences. And yet, one question kept returning:
What happens when we take the time to really look?
I found this thought reflected in a very special way at the new V&A East Storehouse in London. What impressed me was not only the collection itself, but above all the architecture and the way the exhibition has been created. Display cases, spaces and pathways are integrated so naturally into the building that architecture and exhibition become one.
You do not simply move through a museum – you discover connections.
What I particularly love is that this place is not only about famous names and iconic works. Design objects, materials and everyday items are given the same space and attention, each carrying their own stories. If you are visiting London and are interested in art, design or architecture, I can highly recommend a visit. It is one of those places that changes the way you see.
In my studio, several new works are currently developing at the same time. Each canvas is at a different stage. Some already reveal their final colours, while others are still built from their first layers. What is often invisible later: these paintings are created through many different layers.
I often begin with deep, dark tones. They create depth and invite the eye to move into the painting. Layer by layer, the warm cream tone emerges – the element that connects the works of the Presence Collection. For me, it is a visual moment of calm. It creates space, light and generosity. And of course, this process is not always straightforward.
This week, I experimented with blossoms. One idea quickly became several. In the end, there were six. When I stepped back, the answer was immediately clear: There needed to be more space again. So some of them disappeared. Not every good idea belongs in the final painting.
Sometimes strength comes precisely from allowing something to disappear.
What is inspiring me right now
A book
The Resilient Garden by Tom Massey has been sitting within reach next to my sofa for months. I do not read it from beginning to end. Instead, I keep returning to different chapters, discovering new ideas and thinking about how our gardens can adapt to a changing climate. Especially now, when so many landscapes are affected by drought, this topic feels more relevant than ever.
https://www.gardenmuseum.org.uk/film/tom-massey-resilient-garden/
Another Book
Recently, I also read Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout. It was actually a spontaneous discovery in a bookshop. Her quiet and precise way of storytelling immediately drew me in. Only afterwards did I discover that there are several novels featuring the same characters – and even a newer book that brings different narrative worlds together. I am already looking forward to taking these books with me on my summer holiday.
https://www.elizabethstrout.com/books/lucy-by-the-sea
A little pause
In between, I often find myself outside with a coffee. At the moment, I am accompanied by two simple cups from Anna + Nina. One says: “I love you.” The other says: “I know.” If you know Star Wars, you will immediately recognise the little dialogue.
https://www.anna-nina.nl/collections/mugs/products/mug-i-love-you-1
A film
At Art Karlsruhe, I encountered the work of Marion Eichmann again. She creates everyday objects from paper – washing machines, rubbish bins, cars or currywurst stands – transforming the way we look at things we normally no longer notice. I was especially fascinated by a film about her art project for the German Bundestag. A wonderful reminder of how art can change our perception of the everyday.
https://www.marioneichmann.com/
A sound
For this issue’s musical recommendation, I asked for a little help. My husband – known to many as @der_vinylfluencer – has been passionate about vinyl and high-end audio for many years. His choice was Doctrine of Love by Jalen Ngonda: the perfect soundtrack for a long summer evening – and with its red, white and blue special edition pressing, a small artwork in itself. If you are looking for new music, his account is definitely worth exploring.
Looking towards autumn
The studio is already filled with new works for the upcoming autumn exhibitions. In September, I will be participating in arte Wiesbaden (11.-13.9.26) and, as part of Kultursommer Südhessen, in Tage des offenen Ateliers – the open studio days (26.-27.9.26).
https://arte-kunstmessen.de/veranstaltung/wiesbaden-2026/
Arte Wiesbaden
Friday 11–Sunday 13 September 2026
Friday | 17:00 - 21:00,
Saturday and Sunday | 10:00 - 18:00
Kulltursommer Südhessen
Saturday 26 / Sunday 27 September 26
14:00-18:00 on both days.
I am looking forward to meeting some of you there in person and sharing the new works not only online, but in the place where they are created.
Until then, I wish you many small moments that change the way you see.
A place where you love to stay.
A book that accompanies you.
Music that extends a summer evening.
Or an artwork that gives a room a completely new atmosphere.
Because sometimes it is not the world that changes.
Sometimes it is simply the way we see it.
Warmly, Nina
Atelier Notes is published once a month.
A letter from my studio – about art, culture, spaces and the small observations that shape my work.
I also have a newsletter in German; if you'd prefer to subscribe to that, please check out my website https://www.ninakipper.de/