Paolo Nicolai, born in Carrara in 1971, embarked on his artistic journey following studies at Liceo Classico and later at the University of Florence's School of Architecture.
Post-graduation, his professional trajectory led him to conceive and execute various architectural projects. Notably, his recent years have witnessed a captivating evolution culminating in sculptural creations. This evolution is characterized by an intense pursuit of three-dimensionality, where statues are born from the fusion of classical architectural elements with dynamic, sinuous surfaces. These surfaces oscillate between softness and roughness, giving voice to recycled materials. Nicolai's artistic path is a devoted endeavor to breathe new vitality into discarded plastics and other pollutants at the twilight of their lifecycle or sourced from diverse production waste. His imaginative works expose the core essence of these materials, embodying an 'on the edge' paradigm of ecological rebirth. From PET and PVC to HDPE, PMMA, and marine refuse, his creations encompass a vast spectrum, including remnants from honeycomb panel manufacturing, resin pipes, and even "collapsed" marble blocks. The result? A diverse and bespoke cosmos where classical-inspired sculptures intertwine seamlessly with pop, post-modern, and distinctly contemporary elements. This resounding message resonates with an increasingly receptive audience that recognizes the absolute worth of Nicolai's artistry.