It’s sad to say that in our modern day, humanity has almost completely forgotten its roots. In an ever exhausting drive for more power, more technology, more evolution, more everything, we’ve lost sight of what has been sitting right beside us this whole time, nature. Over thousands of years, we have lived with the land as nature provided us with unspoken companionship, food to satiate our hunger, shelter from the elements and wondrous sights to behold in the skies, seas and Earth. As we have evolved, growing in new and exciting ways, we seem to have lost our way. Now, Angelika Weinekötter invites you to take a deep breath and reconnect with nature.
German oil painter Angelika Weinekötter is known for her emotionally intense works of contemporary realism that explore the complex relationship between humanity and the animal kingdom. Since childhood, Angelika has had a fascination with the fact that humanity creates such deep bonds with many of the other creatures who inhabit this Earth. This fascination, complimented with her adoration for oils has lead Angelika to where she is today, using elaborate oil painting techniques to create rich works of realism that invoke intense emotions and display the complex relationship we have with the natural world. Angelika is currently represented by 33 Contemporary Gallery and PoetsArtists.
I’m naturally drawn to depicting those mysterious encounters between humans and animals—those fleeting moments when the boundaries seem to dissolve and an unmistakable sense of unity emerges.
Interview with Angelika Weinekötter
Nature plays a key role throughout your work as you explore humanity’s relationship with it. What is your own relationship with nature like and has it translated into your paintings?
My relationship with nature has been rooted in wonder and a profound sense of connectedness since childhood. I grew up surrounded by animals and spent a great deal of time outdoors, which shaped the way I perceive the world around me. Today, I live on a horse farm where I also have my studio—a setting that continually inspires my work.
I’m naturally drawn to depicting those mysterious encounters between humans and animals—those fleeting moments when the boundaries seem to dissolve and an unmistakable sense of unity emerges. For me, these intimate connections reflect how deeply intertwined our lives truly are with the natural world and I aim to capture that in my paintings.
Your work connects humans with all forms of nature, animals, water, inanimate objects like sea shells, are you reminding us of our origins as humans and how we need to reconnect with nature?
Absolutely. I believe that natural symbols—like seashells, feathers, animals, and waves—can
connect us to something profoundly primal. Even though our society is becoming more urban and technology-driven, I feel we all harbor an inherent longing for our origins. By portraying human figures so intimately intertwined with nature, I hope to rekindle that sense of recollection and inspire a deeper, more mindful engagement with our environment.
What parts of nature do you find to be the most inspiring?
Water fascinates me endlessly. It symbolises transformation, fluidity, life and at times a sense of mystery. I’m also highly inspired by the plant world—flowers and leaves in particular—because of their intricate details and vibrant colours. Additionally, I’m drawn to animals with strong mythological or symbolic qualities, such as wolves, birds, or snakes, because they spark powerful emotions and hint at something beyond the purely literal.
In the end, my goal is to capture the essence of these natural elements and use them to express something profoundly human—whether it’s longing, transformation or resilience. In that sense, I’d say that all aspects of nature inspire me.
‘Contemporary Eve’ is one of my favourite paintings I have seen from you, the merging of modern technology with the ancient story of temptation is so captivating! Is technology something you intend to revisit again within your work?
Thank you so much—I’m thrilled that ‘Contemporary Eve’ resonates with you! The idea for that piece arose from recognising how temptation in our modern world has taken on new forms. Instead of the classic apple, it might be smartphones, social media or any number of digital enticements. That contrast between ancient symbolism and contemporary technology fascinates me and I anticipate revisiting this theme in future works.
It’s a compelling way to highlight the tension between what is timeless and what is current, while demonstrating that our fundamental human struggles—whether it’s seeking knowledge, power or validation—remain the same even as society evolves.
Since your work explores intense emotion, are there specific emotions you hope to invoke within viewers of your work?
I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and spark introspection—perhaps even awaken a universal memory that often serves as the gateway to empathy and reflection. I’m most interested in those moments that make us pause and question our role in the world. Sometimes I deliberately build tension or conflict into my compositions, such as depicting a bird of prey gently pressing its talons into a figure’s arm or a snake lurking in the background. This subtle unease can encourage viewers to contemplate our often-complicated relationship with nature and the notion of universal connectedness.
How do you choose the subjects you paint and do you match animals to suit the models? For example, the pink hair reflecting the pink feathers in ‘Pink Echoes’.
Most of the time, it’s a certain expression or energy that draws me to a particular model something in their posture, facial expression or personal style that already hints at a story. Once I have that model in mind, I consider which animal or natural element would best complement them in terms of colour, symbolism or temperament. In ‘Pink Echoes’, for instance, the bold pink hair and flamingo feathers work both visually and symbolically, creating a vivid, almost surreal atmosphere.
There isn’t a fixed formula; it’s more of an intuitive process. I aim to merge the model’s essence with the character of an animal (or another element) to form a cohesive narrative. Often, my niece Anna and her friends pose for me, but I always alter and vary their facial features in the final painting so that the figures become more universal, rather than representations of one specific individual.
Can you tell us a bit about your studio space?
My studio is, of course, much too small—I’d love nothing more than a huge, open hall! Still, it’s my sanctuary and I’ve done everything I can to let in as much natural light as possible. Large windows overlook the garden, the sky, and the horses on the farm, which keeps me connected to the world outside. Inside, I have a small library filled with art books I cherish and the walls are covered in sketches and reference photos for my current projects, so I’m surrounded by visual inspiration at all times.
It’s definitely not the most organised space—it could be tidier—but I find the slightly chaotic atmosphere very stimulating and creative. I actually love that it’s a bit messy; it feels alive and always in motion, which echoes my own creative process.
What has been the most helpful piece of advice you have received during your time as a painter?
Creativity also means daring to experiment and trying new things. Sometimes that leads to mistakes, dead ends or artwork that simply doesn’t appeal to everyone. However, these experiences are crucial for growth and for discovering unexpected possibilities. Anyone who never steps outside their comfort zone often falls short of their true potential.
What do you get up to in your spare time?
I love hiking, especially in the mountains, and I spend a lot of my free time in nature—no big surprise there! I’m also fascinated by mythology and psychology, both of which greatly influence my creative ideas. When I’m not exploring the outdoors, I enjoy challenging myself with new, intricate recipes and visiting art galleries or exhibitions for fresh inspiration. Additionally, I regularly travel to Florence and the surrounding Tuscan region, which I consider the heart of art. It’s a place that never fails to reignite my passion for creativity and enrich my perspective.
What can we expect to see from you in the near future? Any new projects in the works that you can tell us a bit about?
Right now, I’m working on a new series called ‘The Ones You Feed’. The title references the story of the two wolves that dwell within every person, highlighting our freedom of choice and the responsibility we all share. In these paintings, I once again depict my models interacting with various animals, exploring how much freedom we truly have in our decisions and how those choices shape our own fate and the course of events. This series also examines the attention we pay to different elements in our lives, illustrating how our focus ultimately influences our personal paths.
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