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Late-Life Breakthrough: Everlyn Nicodemus' Art Soars
8 Apr
Summary
- Artist Everlyn Nicodemus found success in her 60s after financial struggles.
- Her painting became the first by a Black female artist at the National Portrait Gallery.
- Nicodemus' art has been showcased in major international galleries worldwide.
Born in Tanzania in 1954, Everlyn Nicodemus moved to Sweden at 19. She rediscovered her passion for painting in her 20s in Tanzania, dedicating herself to her art for decades across Europe. Settling in Edinburgh, Scotland, Nicodemus faced financial difficulties in her sixties, relying on food banks and working in a nursing home.
An unexpected offer from a London gallery dramatically shifted her career trajectory. By 2026, Nicodemus' artwork is celebrated globally, exhibited in prestigious venues like Paris's Pompidou and New York's MoMA. In 2022, her self-portrait achieved a historic milestone when it was acquired by the UK's National Portrait Gallery, becoming the first by a Black female artist in their collection.
The article also briefly mentions Peruvian artist Christian Fuchs, who recreates portraits of his ancestors through elaborate costumes and makeup, inspired by family stories.
