About
Nick Morte
Nick Morte is a multidisciplinary artist based in Oslo. His current work explores the “darker side of beautiful” through subconscious symbolism of classically delivered paintings. Nick’s professional experience includes award-winning tattooing, live painting performances, designing, writing and significant legal victory advocating for artists’ rights in Norway.
Born in Russia in 1981, Nick left his home country in 2009 and lived as a travelling tattoo artist until settling in Norway in 2011. After getting into an argument with Norwegian authorities about the status of professional tattooing, Nick was forced to leave the country in handcuffs and spend two years in exile (China, Hong Kong, New Zealand) returning to Norway after winning the court case against the State in 2018.
Nick Morte is participant of NRK’s Portrettmesterskapet TV show (Season 1, 2023, Norway)
Today, Nick continues his journey as an independent artist with two solo exhibitions in 2026:
“InsideOut”at Steinkjer Kulturhus on 23rd-27th of June,
“TheOtherside” at Lørenskog Hus in November 14th-December 12th Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Solo Exhibitions
"Revelations" (2015) at Comfort Hotel Grand Central, Oslo,
"Beyond" (2019) at Galleri Fjalar, Bergen, Norway
"Let It Shine" interactive art experiment at Gallery Fjalar, Bergen (April 25th-27th 2024)
“Darker Side of Beautiful”, painting performance accompanied by live music, at Cin Cin Cafe, with Ole Teigen (May 16th 2024, Oslo)
“Let It Shine II” at Gallery Fjalar (April 25th-27th 2025)
Group Exhibitions
"Take it Personally" (2015-2016) at the Historical Museum of Oslo, with exposition of tattoo-portraits.
"Høstensjo" (October 2023) – Joined exhibition with "Portrettmesterskapet" participants
"Portrettmalerne" (2024) at Bærum Art Association
Curatorial Work
Curator of Inferno Art Exhibition 2024 & 2025 at Clarion The Hub, Oslo, featuring international artists and illustrators, as a part of Inferno Festival Norway
Television
Participant of "Portrettmesterskapet" on NRK TV (2023)
