Valerio Nicolai: Painting as an Enigmatic Rebus

Born in Gorizia in 1988, Valerio Nicolai lives and works in Milan. He graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia. Recent solo shows include "Amarena" at Clima, Milan (2019); "Prospettiva di una matrioska" at smART, Rome (2017); "Processo a porcospino" at Clima, Milan (2017); and "Trasformazione permanente di un mago in formica" at Treti Galaxie, Turin (2016). Group exhibitions include Fondazione Malutta at Monitor, Rome (2017); VIVA ARTE VIVA at FuturDome, Milan (2017); "Gala, Nicolai, Kvas – N + G / K" at A plus A Gallery, Venice (2016); "A night out of town" at Clima, Milan (2016); and "Shit and die" at Palazzo Cavour, Turin (2015). Nicolai describes his approach to painting as stemming from adolescent problems. He cites Max Ernst as a frequent reference but otherwise looks at random things. He rejects the term "expanded painting" in favor of "narrative expansion." His work unfolds like a rebus of images, sometimes cryptic and intentionally deceptive, yet ultimately sincere. He works increasingly "with the head" over time. Drawing is his "best friend." The act of production becomes a psychoanalytic process, mediating between the work, the external world, and his role as intermediary. He finds inspiration primarily in classic novels, which he believes are never fully understood and should be reread according to one's emotional state. He considers the contemporary Italian painting scene excellent but in need of proper cataloging.