Nicola Roos

Figurative Artist Based in Cape Town

Sculpting since 2015

I am a graduate of the Michaelis School of Fine Arts at the University of Cape Town (2016) that focuses on life-size figurative sculptures inspired by history.

Nicola Roos works primarily with recycled inner tyre tubing to bring figures to life that explore our collective perceptions of socio-cultural belonging in the postcolonial age.

The past two years

Nature vs Nurture
Muse Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa

February 2025

Muse Gallery, a brand new contemporary art space that first opened its doors along the picturesque R-45 on the outskirts of Franschhoek in April 2024, presents Nature vs Nurture.

This show invites artists and art lovers to explore the tension between the organic and the constructed, the inherent and the influenced. How does natural forces shape us? How does the world around us leave their mark? Where does one end and the other begin?

This a group exhibition explores the balance between nature and the forces that shape us. Featuring ceramics, paintings, mixed media, drawings, and sculptures by African artists, the selection is diverse and captivating.

SculptX 2024
The Melrose Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa

September-November 2024

SculptX 2024 at the Melrose Gallery celebrated the scope of contemporary sculpture, showcasing the works of various established and emerging sculpture artists from across the country. The event is an annual platform for artistic innovation and creative expression, pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture.

Take A Stand
The Viewing Room at St. Lorient, @Sandton Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa

September-November 2024

The "Take A Stand" exhibition at the Viewing Room Gallery explored the theme of resilience, advocacy, and personal expression through contemporary sculpture. Hosted at the Sandton Hotel, the exhibition invited artists to interpret what it means to "take a stand" in both literal and abstract forms, challenging societal norms and amplifying marginalized voices.

ComicCon Cape Town
Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa

April 2024

In collaboration with Loyiso Mkize and Mandlakayise Walter Dube for the launch of the graphic novel, 'Yasuke: Way of the Butterfly (Volume 1)'.
Read more about this project.

AGOA (Africa Growth and Opportunity Act) Expo

NASREC Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

November 2023
Image courtesy of Mandlakayise Walter Dube

SculptX 2023

The Melrose Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa

August-October 2023
Image courtesy of Caitlind Lendrum

Open Studios Riebeek Valley

Die Kunshuis / 'The Art House' (via RK Contemporary), Riebeek-Kasteel, South Africa

August 2023

A Taste of Salt, Simchowitz Gallery, Los Angeles

May-June 2023
Read more about my solo exhibition here.

In the news

Instagram announcement of the new Assassin's Creed game that will feature Yasuke as a playable protagonist. I have been working with Yasuke content since 2015 and my works were used as inspiration for the character design (an image of one of my sculptures from 2017 is featured in the insert in the top right).

I was also commissioned to create a Yasuke costume based on their concept art to display at the launch event in June 2024.

An Instagram post from the official Assassin's Creed France account that shows the commisioned Yasuke suit I created on the left and Netherlands-based costume designer Rick Boer's Naoe ninja costume on the right. Naoe is the other playable protagonist in the new game that is set to release in 2025.

This photo was taken at the Assassin's Creed Red Room launch event in Los Angeles (June 2024).