Audo

During the 2025 edition of 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, Nicolas collaborated with Danish furniture brand Audo Copenhagen for their landmark exhibition, "MONUMENTS." Staged at Audo House in the Nordhavn district, this immersive installation was curated by Art Director Christian Møller Andersen in collaboration with Norm Architects.

The exhibition explored the dialogue between Neo-classical heritage and contemporary minimalism, inviting festival visitors to navigate a series of sensory spaces that reimagined the relationship between art, objects, and historic architecture.

As one of four artists commissioned to create site-specific works for the event, Nicolas developed a collection of bespoke paintings titled "Between Sound and Surface." These pieces were designed to integrate directly into the unique atmosphere of Audo House, responding to the specific light, proportions, and textures of the interior. By moving away from traditional scale, the works acted as "living monuments" that encouraged a slower, more reflective pace for those navigating the festival's high-energy program.

The collaboration focused on shared principles of material clarity and restraint. Makelberge’s contributions—acrylic-on-canvas works characterized by tonal layering and abstract horizons—were positioned alongside iconic furniture and lighting to emphasize a sense of permanence and architectural symmetry. By utilizing negative space and a muted palette, the collection provided a visual counterbalance to the surrounding design, echoing the Neo-classical ideals of balance and proportion that defined the exhibition’s overarching theme.

Integrating these works into the various functional areas of Audo House—including the concept shop and exhibition rooms—highlighted a mutual commitment to design that resonates emotionally over time. This partnership during Copenhagen’s premier design festival allowed for a unique exploration of how art and furniture can coexist to create a holistic atmosphere, ultimately treating the domestic environment as a site for both modern living and quiet contemplation.