Nicolas Africano (* 1948 in Kankakee, Illinois, USA) is an American contemporary artist known for his figurative sculptures, paintings, and works in glass. He gained international recognition in the 1970s, notably through his participation in the 1977 Whitney Biennial.
Africano began his career with large-scale paintings that featured small figures, texts, and relief elements, creating theatrical and introspective scenes. He later shifted his focus to sculpture, particularly working with glass using the complex lost-wax casting technique. His works often explore themes such as memory, identity, and vulnerability, and are characterized by a quiet, poetic presence.
He has held numerous solo exhibitions, including at the Walker Art Center (Minneapolis) and the Holly Solomon Gallery (New York). His artworks are part of major collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Whitney Museum.
Nicolas Africano lives and works in Normal, Illinois.
