Nikki Lindt is a painter whose interdisciplinary practice draws deeply from the subterranean world, both sonically and visually, to explore and reflect on connection to place and rapidly transforming ecosystems. Her work is rooted in her painting practice, with recent projects using soundscapes she has recorded underground as a driving force for her visual art. In these paintings, Lindt translates her sonic recordings into the language of paint, focusing on rhythm, color, and mark-making to visually express the hidden ecosystems beneath the surface. From permafrost in the Arctic Circle to the hidden sonic landscapes beneath New York City’s parks and natural areas, Lindt’s paintings are inspired by the unexpected and hidden environments she uncovers, offering a new perspective on landscapes that are often invisible to the human senses.

Collaboration with researchers forms the backbone of Lindt’s practice, as she partners with ecologists, social scientists, philosophers, and land managers to deepen the research and accuracy behind her artistic explorations. By blending art with scientific research, Lindt creates painting and sound experiences that foster a deeper connection to the natural world.

In 2019, Lindt began the Underground Sound Project in Arctic thermokarst slumps, placing microphones into the ground to record what lay beneath. That first gesture has grown into a long-term practice that merges art, science, and deep listening. Over time, the project has expanded to include public installations, sound walks, and visual translations of subterranean recordings across the Arctic, forests, and wetlands. It has inspired others, but remains rooted in a personal process of curiosity, collaboration, and care.  

To learn more about Nikki’s work, watch the videos below