Nikola Menzel
Nikola Menzel was born in Lahr, a small town in the Black Forest, Germany. Since 2007 she has been working as a painter, since 2012 she also produces sculptures. Since June 2020 she has been studying art history at the Fernuniversität Laudius.
Websites of the artist (in German): Kunstchat
Atelier Menzel
HOW DID YOU become interested in GORILLAS?
Gorillas have always been one of my favourite animals. The life and work of Dian Fossey, as depicted in the film starring Sigourney Weaver, touched me very much. A holiday trip to Uganda and a visit to the gorillas in the Bwindi National Park have left me completely captivated.
WHY ARE GORILLAS SPECIAL?
The idea that gorillas possess a level of spirituality is clearly demonstrated from the way in which wild gorillas enter into interactions with people. For example, there was a young animal that suddenly raised its head over a shrub, looked at us and then immediately ducked away. Or an adolescent that deliberately climbed into a tree in order to pee on the heads of the tourists.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR WORK CAN HELP GORILLAS?
Painting gorillas puts me in a magical mood. They remind me of our ancient roots. And that the preservation of their habitat, and even its expansion, is our current task.
GALLERY
