Erik Niemann uses flat metal construction tools to create dynamic and elegant
contemporary abstract paintings. Erik applies and moves the acrylic paint in two
directions to create fascinating visual effects featuring spatial depth through striated
layers of paint. Removing paint from the canvas becomes as important as putting it on.
Erik is a self-taught artist and began painting professionally in January 2002. In 1994
while finishing architecture school, Erik started using acrylic paint to cover chip-board
used for constructing architectural models…he soon discovered the joy and beauty of
applying paint on a flat surface. Erik’s architectural background guides him through the
creation of each painting.
Erik has participated in over two dozen solo art shows and over sixty group art shows.
Nearly two-thirds of his paintings are now collected throughout ten US states as well as
Australia, Mexico, Tunisia and Hong Kong.
Between September 2008 and May 2010 three of Erik’s paintings were on display
inside the United States Embassy in Dili, East Timor through the Art in Embassies
program of the US State Department.
Erik’s painting Distant Malabar (2007) is featured in an article about his painting
process in American Artist magazine, December 2008 issue.
In October 2009 Erik participated in the 7th Annual Monastir International Art Festival
in Monastir, Tunisia. Erik was one of three American artists participating with seventy
other international artists, created three paintings each that will contribute to a future
contemporary art museum in Monastir,
Tunisia. See pictures of the trip here.
In October 2010 an Alameda, California web magazine "The Island" features an
interview article about Erik's art and photography by Michael Singman-Aste. View the
article here.
On page 25 of the May/June 2011, the "Alameda Magazine" featured a one page
article about Erik's paintings titled "An Abstract Concept." View the article here.
Erik was born in 1971 in Modesto*, California, United States. He studied architecture in
California, the University of Kansas, the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in
Copenhagen, and graduate studies at the Architectural Association in London,
England. Erik also takes unique beverage photography,
see www.drinkspacephoto.com
contemporary abstract paintings. Erik applies and moves the acrylic paint in two
directions to create fascinating visual effects featuring spatial depth through striated
layers of paint. Removing paint from the canvas becomes as important as putting it on.
Erik is a self-taught artist and began painting professionally in January 2002. In 1994
while finishing architecture school, Erik started using acrylic paint to cover chip-board
used for constructing architectural models…he soon discovered the joy and beauty of
applying paint on a flat surface. Erik’s architectural background guides him through the
creation of each painting.
Erik has participated in over two dozen solo art shows and over sixty group art shows.
Nearly two-thirds of his paintings are now collected throughout ten US states as well as
Australia, Mexico, Tunisia and Hong Kong.
Between September 2008 and May 2010 three of Erik’s paintings were on display
inside the United States Embassy in Dili, East Timor through the Art in Embassies
program of the US State Department.
Erik’s painting Distant Malabar (2007) is featured in an article about his painting
process in American Artist magazine, December 2008 issue.
In October 2009 Erik participated in the 7th Annual Monastir International Art Festival
in Monastir, Tunisia. Erik was one of three American artists participating with seventy
other international artists, created three paintings each that will contribute to a future
contemporary art museum in Monastir,
Tunisia. See pictures of the trip here.
In October 2010 an Alameda, California web magazine "The Island" features an
interview article about Erik's art and photography by Michael Singman-Aste. View the
article here.
On page 25 of the May/June 2011, the "Alameda Magazine" featured a one page
article about Erik's paintings titled "An Abstract Concept." View the article here.
Erik was born in 1971 in Modesto*, California, United States. He studied architecture in
California, the University of Kansas, the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in
Copenhagen, and graduate studies at the Architectural Association in London,
England. Erik also takes unique beverage photography,
see www.drinkspacephoto.com
EDUCATION
Self-taught artist
1995 - 1997
Architectural Association, Graduate Design Group
London, United Kingdom
1993 - 1994
Denmark’s International Study Program, Copenhagen, Denmark
1990 - 1995
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States
1989 - 1990
Modesto Junior College, Modesto, California, United States
SOLO SHOWS
2012
October 30 - December 21, 2012
"FLOW: A Decade of Paintings by Erik Niemann"- Reception Wed., Nov 12, 2012 11:30am-1:
30pm East Bay Municipal Utility District Headquarters, Oakland, California
2011
Color-Space-Thirst: Paintings and Photography by Erik Niemann,
Spice Monkey Restaurant, Oakland, California
2010
Bridgehead Studio, Alameda, California
Redemption at The Inferno, Rhythmix Cultural Works, Alameda, California
Life is the Journey, Cock-A-Doodle Cafe, Oakland, California
2009
Bridgehead Studio, Alameda, California
Sahaira, Oakland, California
2008
Novartis, Emeryville, California
Tofu Yu Cafe Deli, El Cerrito, California
Form and Space, Albatross Pub, Berkeley, California
Deep, Moshin Vineyards, Healdsburg, California
2007
The Hills Swim & Tennis Club, Oakland, California
John Mark Salon, San Francisco, California
Deep & Dreamy 2
Signature Salon, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, California
Rhythm and Grooves
Luka's Taproom and Lounge, Oakland, California
2006
C'era Una Volta, Alameda, California
2005
Art for the Remnant
Urban Breath: Yoga - Arts - Wellness, St. Louis, Missouri
Miso Lounge, Clayton, Missouri
Erik Niemann - New West Coast Paintings,
D-Zine Hair and Art Studio, University City, Missouri
2004
Blessings & Liberty,
NorthWest Health Care Gallery, Florissant, Missouri
Distant Lands, Lemon Spalon, St. Louis, Missouri
Deep & Dreamy, Downtown Now!, St. Louis, Missouri
The Fur Source, St. Louis, Missouri
Delta Spinal Care, Clayton, Missouri
43 (restaurant), Clayton, Missouri
Strands, Clayton, Missouri
Friends Image Design, Creve Coeur, Missouri
2003
One Year in St. Louis, Salvato’s Café, St. Louis, Missouri
Friends Image Design, Creve Coeur, Missouri
Strands, Clayton, Missouri
GROUP SHOWS
2012
ArtSpan Open Studios, San Francisco, California
2011
Mother's Day at the Fairmont Hotel, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
San Francisco, California
ArtSpan Open Studios, San Francisco, California
Team Up with Inspire Sports benefit, San Francisco, California
2010
ArtSpan Open Studios, San Francisco, California
Village Enterprise Fund benefit, Redwood City, California
Carpe Vida benefit, San Francisco, California
Gallagher & Lindsey, Alameda, California
Open Studios, Alameda, California
2009
Visual Offering, ArtSpan Open Studios, San Francisco, California
7th Session of the Monastir International Plastic Arts Festival, Monastir, Tunisia
2008
Art from the Heart, Piedmont, California
CALICO, One Child at a Time Benefit, Periscope Cellars, Emeryville, CA
ProArts East Bay Open Studios, Oakland, California
C'era Una Volta, Alameda, California
2007
Art on Tap, Speisekammer Restaurant, Alameda, California
Positively Ageless benefit, Fourth Street Studio, Berkeley, California
Artists funding the Arts benefit, Fourth Street Studio, Berkeley, California
Alameda on Camera, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, California
Green, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, California
2006
As Red As, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, CA
Joined Forces, Aroma Restaurant, Alameda, CA
New Beginnings, A Fusao Studios, Oakland, CA
Members show, Alameda Art Center, Alameda, CA
2005
Best of America! 2005, 15th Annual National Juried Fine Art Exhibition,
National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society, Osage Beach, MO
Best of America! 2005, 15th Annual National Juried Fine Art Exhibition,
National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society,
Ella Carothers Dunnegan Gallery of Art, Bolivar, MO
Artistic Creations Making a Difference
J. Schwartz Home Gallery, San Francisco, CA
AMERICA: A Visual Exploration, ArtEscape Studios, San Ramon, CA
Summer Whites - International, The Alameda Food & Wine Society
Meyer's House and Garden, Alameda, CA
Are We There Yet? Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, CA
Summer Solstice: A Celebration of Heat and Land
ArtEscape Studios, San Ramon, CA
Aquarela “watercolor”, Alameda Art Center, Alameda, CA
The Blues, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, CA
2004
Meet Me In St. Louis Book Festival, St. Louis, MO
The Landing Fine Art Fair, Osage Beach, MO
Moxy Bistro, St. Louis, MO
Monarch Restaurant, Maplewood, MO
3rd ArtDtour art crawl by ArtDimensions, St. Louis, MO
From Pen to Brush (4 person show),
Florissant Valley Art Gallery, St. Louis, MO
Venice Cafe Street Art, St. Louis, MO
Art Outside, Alternative Art Fair,
Schlafly Bottleworks, Maplewood, MO
Miso Lounge, Clayton, MO
Rue 13, St. Louis, MO
Nortonville Main Street Grille, Nortonville, KS
Third Fridays, Third Degree Glass Factory, St. Louis, MO
Metro Parties at Union Station, St. Louis, MO
Union Avenue Opera Theatre, St. Louis, MO
David Kodner Personal Jeweler, Clayton, MO
ArtDimensions June Show, Kastle Gallery, St. Louis, MO
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, STLtoday.com offices, St. Louis, MO
ArtDTour #3, Third Degree Glass Factory, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Spring Show, Kastle Gallery, St. Louis, MO
Best of Missouri! 2004, Rozier Gallery, Jefferson City, MO
First National Bank, Camdenton, MO
Delmar Lounge, St. Louis, MO
Monarch Restaurant, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Valentine's Show, Kastle Gallery, St. Louis, MO
Mapping Memory, Art Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO
2003
ArtDimensions 3rd Annual Holiday Event, Kastle Gallery, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Kiosk, Union Station, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Street Gallery, Washington Street, St. Louis, MO
David Kodner Personal Jeweler, Clayton, MO
Best of Missouri! 2004 Preview, Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO
ArtDimensions November Show, Kastle Gallery, St. Louis, MO
The Art Exposure, Third Degree Glass Factory, St. Louis, MO
Downtown Now! Window Exhibit, St. Louis, MO
Best of America! 2003, 13th Annual National Juried Fine Art Exhibition,
National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society, Osage Beach, MO
Epicurean Magic at the Mansion, Chatillon DeMenil Mansion, St. Louis, MO
First National Bank, Camdenton, MO
The Abstracts, Overland Park Arts Commission Juried Show,
Overland Park, KS
ArtDimensions Kastle Gallery Grand Opening Show, St. Louis, MO
Best of America! 2003, 13th Annual National Juried Fine Art Exhibition,
National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society,
Ella Carothers Dunnegan Gallery of Art, Bolivar, MO
Farrago, 1212 Washington, St. Louis, MO
The New Masters Gallery, Grand Opening, St. Louis, MO
Washington Avenue Summerfest, St. Louis, MO
Downtown Now! Window Exhibit, St. Louis, MO
Rue 13 Art Exhibit, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Street Gallery, Washington Street, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions 1 Year in the Lemp Art Stables Show,
Lemp Art Stables, St. Louis, MO
Metropolis Wine Club art opening, Lemp Art Stables, St. Louis, MO
The Reception, SOAR Foundation, Dave Mungenast Classic Motorcycle Museum, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Kiosk, Union Station, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions 2nd Anniversary Show, Lemp Art Stables, St. Louis, MO
2002
17th Annual Juried Art Exhibit, John G. Blank Center for the Arts,
Michigan City, IN
PUBLICATIONS
Alameda Magazine, May/June 2011 issue, page 25
"An Abstract Concept" Article can be viewed here
Q&A with Erik Niemann, October 12, 2010, web magazine
link: http://www.postdiluvianphoto.com/blog/2010/10/12/qa-erik-niemann-1979/
American Artist magazine, December 2008 issue, page 17
AArchitecture Newsletter, Autumn Issue 2006 Architectural Association, London, United Kingdom
Lake Lifestyles (Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri) May & June, 2004
St. Louis Design Magazine, March 2004
Vital Voice, December 12-25, 2003
Co-author of Chasing Summer: Exploring the World on an 18-month Honeymoon
AWARDS
2006 Best of Show, As Red As, Frank Bette Center for the Arts,
Alameda, CA
2005 House Award, Are We There Yet?, Frank Bette Center,
Alameda, CA
2005 Best of Show, The Blues, Frank Bette Center for the Arts,
Alameda, CA
2003 Bullivant Award, ArtDimensions November Show, St. Louis, MO
FORMER GALLERY REPRESENTATION
Fourth Street Studio, Berkeley, California, 2006-2009
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Artist Gallery, Fort Mason,
San Francisco, CA 2007 - 2008
Creative Art Gallery, St. Louis, Missouri 2003 - 2006
New Masters Gallery, St. Louis, Missouri 2003
Catherine Finn Gallery, Tiburon**, California 2002
* Alameda Magazine article from May/June 2011 claims Erik is a native Oaklander. This is
incorrect, Erik is from Modesto and started living in Oakland in 2005
** Alameda Magazine article from May/June 2011 claims
this is the "San Francisco" gallery. It's actually a gallery in Tiburon, near San Francisco
Self-taught artist
1995 - 1997
Architectural Association, Graduate Design Group
London, United Kingdom
1993 - 1994
Denmark’s International Study Program, Copenhagen, Denmark
1990 - 1995
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States
1989 - 1990
Modesto Junior College, Modesto, California, United States
SOLO SHOWS
2012
October 30 - December 21, 2012
"FLOW: A Decade of Paintings by Erik Niemann"- Reception Wed., Nov 12, 2012 11:30am-1:
30pm East Bay Municipal Utility District Headquarters, Oakland, California
2011
Color-Space-Thirst: Paintings and Photography by Erik Niemann,
Spice Monkey Restaurant, Oakland, California
2010
Bridgehead Studio, Alameda, California
Redemption at The Inferno, Rhythmix Cultural Works, Alameda, California
Life is the Journey, Cock-A-Doodle Cafe, Oakland, California
2009
Bridgehead Studio, Alameda, California
Sahaira, Oakland, California
2008
Novartis, Emeryville, California
Tofu Yu Cafe Deli, El Cerrito, California
Form and Space, Albatross Pub, Berkeley, California
Deep, Moshin Vineyards, Healdsburg, California
2007
The Hills Swim & Tennis Club, Oakland, California
John Mark Salon, San Francisco, California
Deep & Dreamy 2
Signature Salon, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, California
Rhythm and Grooves
Luka's Taproom and Lounge, Oakland, California
2006
C'era Una Volta, Alameda, California
2005
Art for the Remnant
Urban Breath: Yoga - Arts - Wellness, St. Louis, Missouri
Miso Lounge, Clayton, Missouri
Erik Niemann - New West Coast Paintings,
D-Zine Hair and Art Studio, University City, Missouri
2004
Blessings & Liberty,
NorthWest Health Care Gallery, Florissant, Missouri
Distant Lands, Lemon Spalon, St. Louis, Missouri
Deep & Dreamy, Downtown Now!, St. Louis, Missouri
The Fur Source, St. Louis, Missouri
Delta Spinal Care, Clayton, Missouri
43 (restaurant), Clayton, Missouri
Strands, Clayton, Missouri
Friends Image Design, Creve Coeur, Missouri
2003
One Year in St. Louis, Salvato’s Café, St. Louis, Missouri
Friends Image Design, Creve Coeur, Missouri
Strands, Clayton, Missouri
GROUP SHOWS
2012
ArtSpan Open Studios, San Francisco, California
2011
Mother's Day at the Fairmont Hotel, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
San Francisco, California
ArtSpan Open Studios, San Francisco, California
Team Up with Inspire Sports benefit, San Francisco, California
2010
ArtSpan Open Studios, San Francisco, California
Village Enterprise Fund benefit, Redwood City, California
Carpe Vida benefit, San Francisco, California
Gallagher & Lindsey, Alameda, California
Open Studios, Alameda, California
2009
Visual Offering, ArtSpan Open Studios, San Francisco, California
7th Session of the Monastir International Plastic Arts Festival, Monastir, Tunisia
2008
Art from the Heart, Piedmont, California
CALICO, One Child at a Time Benefit, Periscope Cellars, Emeryville, CA
ProArts East Bay Open Studios, Oakland, California
C'era Una Volta, Alameda, California
2007
Art on Tap, Speisekammer Restaurant, Alameda, California
Positively Ageless benefit, Fourth Street Studio, Berkeley, California
Artists funding the Arts benefit, Fourth Street Studio, Berkeley, California
Alameda on Camera, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, California
Green, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, California
2006
As Red As, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, CA
Joined Forces, Aroma Restaurant, Alameda, CA
New Beginnings, A Fusao Studios, Oakland, CA
Members show, Alameda Art Center, Alameda, CA
2005
Best of America! 2005, 15th Annual National Juried Fine Art Exhibition,
National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society, Osage Beach, MO
Best of America! 2005, 15th Annual National Juried Fine Art Exhibition,
National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society,
Ella Carothers Dunnegan Gallery of Art, Bolivar, MO
Artistic Creations Making a Difference
J. Schwartz Home Gallery, San Francisco, CA
AMERICA: A Visual Exploration, ArtEscape Studios, San Ramon, CA
Summer Whites - International, The Alameda Food & Wine Society
Meyer's House and Garden, Alameda, CA
Are We There Yet? Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, CA
Summer Solstice: A Celebration of Heat and Land
ArtEscape Studios, San Ramon, CA
Aquarela “watercolor”, Alameda Art Center, Alameda, CA
The Blues, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, CA
2004
Meet Me In St. Louis Book Festival, St. Louis, MO
The Landing Fine Art Fair, Osage Beach, MO
Moxy Bistro, St. Louis, MO
Monarch Restaurant, Maplewood, MO
3rd ArtDtour art crawl by ArtDimensions, St. Louis, MO
From Pen to Brush (4 person show),
Florissant Valley Art Gallery, St. Louis, MO
Venice Cafe Street Art, St. Louis, MO
Art Outside, Alternative Art Fair,
Schlafly Bottleworks, Maplewood, MO
Miso Lounge, Clayton, MO
Rue 13, St. Louis, MO
Nortonville Main Street Grille, Nortonville, KS
Third Fridays, Third Degree Glass Factory, St. Louis, MO
Metro Parties at Union Station, St. Louis, MO
Union Avenue Opera Theatre, St. Louis, MO
David Kodner Personal Jeweler, Clayton, MO
ArtDimensions June Show, Kastle Gallery, St. Louis, MO
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, STLtoday.com offices, St. Louis, MO
ArtDTour #3, Third Degree Glass Factory, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Spring Show, Kastle Gallery, St. Louis, MO
Best of Missouri! 2004, Rozier Gallery, Jefferson City, MO
First National Bank, Camdenton, MO
Delmar Lounge, St. Louis, MO
Monarch Restaurant, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Valentine's Show, Kastle Gallery, St. Louis, MO
Mapping Memory, Art Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO
2003
ArtDimensions 3rd Annual Holiday Event, Kastle Gallery, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Kiosk, Union Station, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Street Gallery, Washington Street, St. Louis, MO
David Kodner Personal Jeweler, Clayton, MO
Best of Missouri! 2004 Preview, Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO
ArtDimensions November Show, Kastle Gallery, St. Louis, MO
The Art Exposure, Third Degree Glass Factory, St. Louis, MO
Downtown Now! Window Exhibit, St. Louis, MO
Best of America! 2003, 13th Annual National Juried Fine Art Exhibition,
National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society, Osage Beach, MO
Epicurean Magic at the Mansion, Chatillon DeMenil Mansion, St. Louis, MO
First National Bank, Camdenton, MO
The Abstracts, Overland Park Arts Commission Juried Show,
Overland Park, KS
ArtDimensions Kastle Gallery Grand Opening Show, St. Louis, MO
Best of America! 2003, 13th Annual National Juried Fine Art Exhibition,
National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society,
Ella Carothers Dunnegan Gallery of Art, Bolivar, MO
Farrago, 1212 Washington, St. Louis, MO
The New Masters Gallery, Grand Opening, St. Louis, MO
Washington Avenue Summerfest, St. Louis, MO
Downtown Now! Window Exhibit, St. Louis, MO
Rue 13 Art Exhibit, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Street Gallery, Washington Street, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions 1 Year in the Lemp Art Stables Show,
Lemp Art Stables, St. Louis, MO
Metropolis Wine Club art opening, Lemp Art Stables, St. Louis, MO
The Reception, SOAR Foundation, Dave Mungenast Classic Motorcycle Museum, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions Kiosk, Union Station, St. Louis, MO
ArtDimensions 2nd Anniversary Show, Lemp Art Stables, St. Louis, MO
2002
17th Annual Juried Art Exhibit, John G. Blank Center for the Arts,
Michigan City, IN
PUBLICATIONS
Alameda Magazine, May/June 2011 issue, page 25
"An Abstract Concept" Article can be viewed here
Q&A with Erik Niemann, October 12, 2010, web magazine
link: http://www.postdiluvianphoto.com/blog/2010/10/12/qa-erik-niemann-1979/
American Artist magazine, December 2008 issue, page 17
AArchitecture Newsletter, Autumn Issue 2006 Architectural Association, London, United Kingdom
Lake Lifestyles (Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri) May & June, 2004
St. Louis Design Magazine, March 2004
Vital Voice, December 12-25, 2003
Co-author of Chasing Summer: Exploring the World on an 18-month Honeymoon
AWARDS
2006 Best of Show, As Red As, Frank Bette Center for the Arts,
Alameda, CA
2005 House Award, Are We There Yet?, Frank Bette Center,
Alameda, CA
2005 Best of Show, The Blues, Frank Bette Center for the Arts,
Alameda, CA
2003 Bullivant Award, ArtDimensions November Show, St. Louis, MO
FORMER GALLERY REPRESENTATION
Fourth Street Studio, Berkeley, California, 2006-2009
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Artist Gallery, Fort Mason,
San Francisco, CA 2007 - 2008
Creative Art Gallery, St. Louis, Missouri 2003 - 2006
New Masters Gallery, St. Louis, Missouri 2003
Catherine Finn Gallery, Tiburon**, California 2002
* Alameda Magazine article from May/June 2011 claims Erik is a native Oaklander. This is
incorrect, Erik is from Modesto and started living in Oakland in 2005
** Alameda Magazine article from May/June 2011 claims
this is the "San Francisco" gallery. It's actually a gallery in Tiburon, near San Francisco
Copyright 1999-2013 Erik Niemann
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