Update 04/2026: From the Coral Reefs of Sulawesi to Musée d´Orsay - Two New Paintings Inspired by Travel - Timelapse Reels on Instagram
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Hi there,
from coral reefs to museum halls - two journeys have found their way into my work: One draws from the vibrant underwater world of Sulawesi, while another is inspired by an encounter with Art Nouveau at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
For me, inspiration can arise from distinct moments or visual impressions, as seen here. Yet it can also unfold in a more gradual and less defined way. Some motifs are rooted in observation, while others seem to appear just out of imagination.
The Coral Reefs of Sulawesi
These underwater photographs I took capture moments beneath the surface. They served as a direct source of inspiration for the painting beneath, translating the impressions of the reef into an abstract composition.
The coral reefs of Sulawesi are among the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world, with many areas still remaining intact and rich in species. Altough, the vibrant yellow visible in the third photo may appear striking, but it also indicates that even these corals are already under environmental stress, leading to coral bleach.
Acrylic on canvas | 70 x 100 cm
"Panneau d'Elégante" by Georges de Feure at Musée d´Orsay
A trip to Paris in 2023 provided a series of visual impressions that continue to influence my work and will be featured in a number of upcoming paintings - starting with the following: This one is inspired by "Panneau d’Élégante", a work from Georges de Feure published in 1901, which I discovered at the unique Musée d'Orsay.
Acrylic on canvas | 40 x 50 cm
Timelapse Reels on Instagram
I’ve started sharing parts of my painting process through timelapse vids on Instagram. They offer a closer look at how each work develops layer by layer:
Thank you for following along!
With best regards,
Max Niederköppern
