Nicole Henriëtte Hermance Carstens (1958–2001) was a Dutch visual artist known for her work in painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. Born in The Hague, she studied at the Rijksacademie van beeldende kunsten in Amsterdam and the Kokoschka Academy in Salzburg before moving to New York in 1987 to study at the Pratt Institute School of Art and Design. Her artistic practice was characterized by a conceptual approach, often transforming everyday objects into new configurations with socially attributed meanings, influenced by Arte Povera. She also worked as a flight attendant for KLM, an experience that informed her photography series 'Blue Notes from Thin Air,' which captured mundane moments of existence during her travels. Carstens died in April 2001, leaving behind the Nicole Art Sense foundation to preserve and promote her work.[1,2]
Blue Notes from Thin Air2001 · Stichting Nicole Art Sense / Nederlands Foto Instituut · book · DutchISBN 9076085145A series of photographs made during her work as a flight attendant.
Exhibitions
2001Blue Notes from Thin AirNederlands Foto Instituut, Rotterdamsolo
1998Blue Notes from Thin AirBronwyn Keenan Gallery, New Yorksolo
2023The Way of NicoleKuhlanshi Art Space, Astanasolo
Awards
1998New York GrantConsulate General for the Netherlands
Blue Notes From Thin Airauthor · photographer