Nikke Naeme - Harlequin Astronaut

NOTE BY THE ARTIST:

“One in a series of three paintings, based on Bowie’s Ashes to Ashes. This song always strikes a chord with me, probably because it reminds me of my childhood. And the lyrics are just incredible. There’s an underlying theme of aging and transformation in the song. I used the dreamlike imagery to convey a sense of alienation and introspection. I think I subconsciously drew inspiration from the album cover as well. ‘Strung out in heaven’s high, hitting an all-time low.’ It doesn’t get any better than this.

For this painting, I used all kinds of materials like acrylic paint, ink, pen, pencil, oil stick and maybe more that I forgot about. And I love these colors!”



NIKKE NAEME (1984) is a multidisciplinary artist from the Netherlands, known for his keen observation of the human psyche and behavior, with a particular focus on its darker aspects. Recurring themes in his work include human flaws, imperfections, and inner doubts. Constantly exploring contrasts, both as an individual and an artist, his creations reveal a complex, almost schizophrenic, character that challenges perceptions.

NIKKE’s work is held in private collections worldwide and is continuously exhibited in Amsterdam. In 2023, he held a successful solo show in Amsterdam, further solidifying his presence in the contemporary art scene. His influence has grown significantly on social media, with a large following on Instagram, where a viral post brought even greater attention to his work. With a rapidly expanding base of collectors, the demand and value of his pieces are steadily rising, reflected by over 600 sold works to date.


QUALITY & HANDLING

• Fast, professional, and secure handling
• Created using high-quality materials
• Protected with archival varnish
• Photos may not fully capture the depth
• Signed on both the front and back
• Ready to hang upon delivery







































































Keywords & influences (a.o.) are Ralph Steadman, Horst Janssen, Karel Appel, Basquiat, Stanley Donwood, Picasso, Damien Hirst, Francis Bacon, Cy Twombly, Lucebert, Bente Mouchart, Gill Button, David Lynch, Marlene Dumas, Banksy, Rene Margrit, Vincent van Gogh and lots of modern social media artists. Musical influences are: Radiohead, Mars Volta, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Miles Davis, Omar Rodriguez Lopez, John Frusciante, Coltrane, Duke Ellington, David Bowie, Tool, Kyuss, Nick Cave, Rolling Stones, The Smiths, The Cure, Joy Division, Bohren, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, Mike Patton, Lou Reed, Velvet Underground.