Nunzio Miano is an Italian-Australian artist whose dual heritage is reflected through his complex and psychologically charged paintings, portraying dislocated figures in search of their own definition.
Raised in suburban Melbourne to Sicilian parents, Nunzio Miano’s estranged experience as a child caught between two cultures fostered a painterly fascination with issues of identity, belonging and the mask. Driven by an intuitive desire to discover his sitters through the intimate exchange of portraiture, Miano’s expressive style draws its energy from an improvisatory impulse, animating his subjects with spontaneous strokes of vivid colour that, more than describe likeness, gives us insight into their inner world. It is in this interior, emotional dimension beneath the surface that Miano holds up the mirror, so that we may recognise ourselves.
“I am inspired by the beauty of human emotions and the complexity of the mind. Each piece is a unique and personal journey, inviting viewers to explore their own thoughts and feelings.”
Since 2018, Nunzio Miano’s work has been exhibited extensively in exhibitions across Australia and Europe. Miano’s practice has attracted strong support from the industry, having been a finalist in over 15 art prizes, including the National Emerging Art Prize, Sydney, and the Omnia Art Prize. In 2023, Miano was commissioned to produce a portrait of celebrated Australian pop icon Dannii Minogue. His work is held in private collections across Europe, Australia and the US. Miano holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Monash University. He is currently represented by Brunswick Street Gallery.