NOKUKO is home to five distinct creative voices — each with their own world, perspective, and reason to create. Discover the artists and projects behind our gallery: Alan Pedersen (Alantherock), SOAL Studio, Lis Lauendorf, Pública Rework, and Alpe. Read their stories and find the art that stays with you.
Alan Pedersen — Alantherock
Since childhood, Alan Pedersen, also known as Alantherock, has utilized visual expression to reflect and balance his thoughts. Particularly during challenging times, tapping into the creative mindset has proven beneficial. One such period served as a turning point, significantly shaping the fundamental idea behind NOKUKO—an entrepreneurial passion project echoing Pedersen's belief in realising dreams.
Written by Anne Mette Steen-Andersen
»When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow» - Shauna Niequist. Usually, Alan Pedersen doesn't rely on quotations when he tries to make sense of life. However, this precise quotation reflects and plays a crucial role in how he has chosen to handle the punches that life has thrown at him over the years. It is how he has taught himself to view hard times as opportunities to learn, develop, and transform adversity into something constructive. Life hasn't always been kind. It has dealt him some heavy blows. He lost his father when he was 11 years old, and his mother passed away almost 10 years ago, leaving Alan with very limited biological family and no siblings. Instead of letting darkness and loss dominate, Alan turned his grief into a reminder that life must be lived now. 'I'm not afraid of death; I'm afraid not to live my life,' as he describes it.
“I remember that my mother had plenty of things she wanted to do but never did. I think my greatest fear is to be sitting as an 80-year-old man knowing that I didn't follow my dreams. Time is the least available resource we have, and suddenly it may be too late. I think the loss of my parents constantly reminds me that it's better to act today than to wait until tomorrow,” says Alan.
That's why there was no doubt in his mind when he got the idea to start up NOKUKO. In the past, Alan has had other entrepreneurial projects, but with NOKUKO, the feeling was different: almost like a calling - an entrepreneurial dream he simply had to chase.
“I knew from the beginning that I wanted to create a platform, NOKUKO, where selected artists who create high-quality art could be involved and encouraged to take part in the creation. I wanted to ensure that their art and passion were well rewarded. And my intention was to create a synergy, where reflection and creation collaborate in promoting exclusive and meaningful art that was in focus,” says Alan.
NOKUKO recognises a wide, well-informed audience, which demands unique, original art and prints with authentic stories. Conscious consumers, as Alan describes his target market, are people who want more meaningful art and prints.
"I strive to make NOKUKO a springboard from where our artists can develop, find inspiration, and gain international recognition for their work. It aims to provide better conditions to reach a wider, more informed audience. This project is based on socio-economic demand, as well as a desire to protect and assist artists with the challenges I have experienced myself," says Alan.
Sharing the stories behind the art is NOKUKO's keen focus. For Alan, his art and photographs reflect a need to create a sanctuary for thoughts and feelings. Since childhood, he immersed himself in drawing, curious or lying on his back, finding figures in the clouds. This passion has followed him throughout life. By establishing a creative space, he finds room to introspect and interpret everyday life around him.
"It almost feels like time and space disappear when I stand in front of the canvas or computer. I have no idea where the hours go and completely lose track of time. Using the creative side of the brain is a tool to understand myself better, and to see more perspectives and opportunities. This applies both personally and in business. It broadens my perspective, makes me more receptive to input, and gives me the strength to open up and develop. Creativity is a valuable contrast to my academic background in International Business and my business-structured life. It contributes to creating a good balance," says Alan, continuing:
"Earlier in my life, I wasn't always good at embracing and understanding my feelings. I often just shut down and hid them away if they were too hard to handle. For me, that was the easiest thing to do – probably due to my former perception of pride and perfectionism. I have worked to change that part of myself, and I still do. It's an area where you can always develop yourself if you want to. In line with this, my visual expression helps me in many ways. Art is a sanctuary where the process - not the result - is in focus. Working on being more open is also reflected in the art I'm currently creating."
Besides being a place where he can reflect on his inner life, Alan also uses his passion for photography to satisfy his curiosity and capture small glimpses of the beauty of nature. He compares photography to fishing: You go out in hope of catching the big fish, but you'll never know if that's going to happen. Light, time, motif, and condition are factors that constantly influence and shape the final result.
"I possess tremendous curiosity, which has led me to fascinating places, cultures, and people worldwide. It brings me immense pleasure and serves as inspiration both personally and professionally. I'm driven to find motifs that tell stories—stories from nature, which we must cherish and protect, and stories from ancient buildings, where generations have lived. Chasing subjects with my camera is like a game to me. My travel companions have often seen me taking sudden detours or going out in the middle of the night to capture the right motif," says Alan and laughs.
It isn't necessarily crucial for Alan whether the observer of his art reads a particular narrative or mood into his motifs. Perhaps even the opposite: a photograph or artwork tells the observer what they want to see. According to Alan Pedersen, this is one of the fascinating aspects of art: the wide variety of interpretations and tastes provide a foundation for conversations, and it does not necessarily need explanation to make sense to the observer. It can speak for itself....
Lis Lauendorf has been painting throughout her entire life. Like some artists, Lis has a hard time explaining why she paints. Nevertheless, it is a driving force that must be channeled into creativity. Her magnificent paintings go in all directions and reflect periods of her life. Besides being an amazingly talented autodidact artist, is Lis also Alan's aunt and godmother. Certainly an inspiring person to everyone around her.
Explore Lis Lauendorf's paintings exclusively here on NOKUKO.com
Welcome to SOAL Studio, where art knows no bounds and creativity finds its truest expression. Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, SOAL Studio is more than a space—it's a collaborative sanctuary where artists and partners unite under the banner of creativity and love.
Our foundation is simple yet powerful: no frames, just pure creativity. Here, there are no prescribed art styles, only a canvas waiting to be adorned with the limitless possibilities of artistic imagination. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, SOAL Studio sets trends and is desired by many. Inspired by the world with a twist of world-famous Scandinavian style.
What sets us apart is the belief in breaking barriers, celebrating equality, and embracing diversity. SOAL Studio is not just a physical space; it's a mindset that encourages the creation of anything without limitations. Join us in a world where art flourishes, unrestricted and bound only by the vast expanse of creative freedom.
My vision behind Alpe is centred around creativity, exploration, and learning. With my Alpe art print, I aim to inspire curiosity, dialogue, and imagination between people—particularly children and their parents. It encourages questions that spark conversation, such as, "What do you see?" or "What do you think it is?"
Through this, children and others have the opportunity to develop through playful discovery, using their imaginations and learning new words simultaneously. It’s not about the end result, but about creating a space that inspires and fosters creativity.
Pública Rework builds on the concept of creating and extent the art value. They intend to create new art based on currently made art, with respect for the old art pieces and the artists behind. With their own words: "Remixes, mash-ups, remastering and reworks are usual in other genres of the art world, for example in music and games (which we also consider some to be artistic masterpieces).
By doing so, it doesn't mean at the original masterpiece isn't incredible, by all means. New editions just contribute to new frames or occasions.
We want to extend the art value by adding our own touch. Our contribution is done in form of polish, mixing and rework in different ways - some modern, some classic and sometimes completely new.
