Norberto Nicola

Norberto Nicola, a versatile artist encompassing tapestry making, painting, drawing, sculpture, and engraving, was born in São Paulo in 1931 and passed away in the same city in 2007. His artistic journey began in 1954 when he embarked on his training as a drawing teacher at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (Faap) and joined the Atelier-Abstração, led by Samson Flexor. It was there that he crossed paths with Jacques Douchez (1921), and together in 1957, they established the renowned tapestry studio Ateliê Douchez-Nicola, which thrived until 1980. Nicola initially started creating flat tapestries, gradually transitioning to three-dimensional forms. He further honed his craft through internships in Aubusson, France, and other locations in Europe.

In 1961, Nicola held a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro (MAM/RJ). He participated in various editions of the São Paulo Biennial, including the 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, and 13th editions. His works were showcased in prestigious venues such as the Gallery of the O.E.A. in Washington, D.C., in 1973, and the National Museum of Fine Arts in Mexico. In recognition of his talent, he received the tapestry category award from the Paulista Association of Art Critics (APCA) in the same year. Nicola played a pivotal role in establishing the Trienal de Tapeçaria, which held three editions in São Paulo, with the inaugural edition taking place in 1976. In the 1970s, Nicola’s interests expanded to include the collection and study of Brazilian feather art, leading him to curate significant exhibitions such as “Plumária Art in Brazil” at the Museum of Modern Art in São Paulo (MAM/SP) in 1980

As the 1990s approached, Nicola embraced new avenues of artistic expression, venturing into printmaking using computer technology. He exhibited some of these digital prints at the Club Athletico Paulistano in São Paulo in 2000, showcasing his adaptability and exploration of contemporary mediums. Throughout his illustrious career, Norberto Nicola left an indelible mark on the art world, displaying his creativity and mastery across various disciplines.