Nico Krijno

Exploring the space between photography and the process of painting, photography and ephemeral sculpture, Krijno is carving an individual path through the current barrage of abstract photographic image making. A prolific artist who combines two-dimensional works with in-situ temporary installations, which reference the formalism of the wall-based art works. An inter-textual dialogue opens up between his artworks, and allows for an often-surprising tone to the assemblage.


Born. 15 Dec. 1981 in Cape Town. SA

Lives and Works in South Africa.

With a background in theatre and experimental video, Nico Krijno switched camps to the field of visual arts around 2008. His performance-based photographic practice is realised in a variety of media, from sculpture, participatory installation and video.

I am deeply fascinated by the tension I sense beneath the surface of things, particularly that which underlies the everyday and the mundane. I want to show that the truth is not something simple, that there are not always clear and definitive answers. So, sometimes by showing things out of context or by marrying opposites I try to force a conversation that combines irony, humour and melancholy. To this end, editing and presentation are crucial in placing nature and our constructed world either in harmony or at odds.