Nicholaas Chiao (b. 1981, Minsk) is a seminal Belarusian-American contemporary artist and philosopher whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, drawing, and sculpture. Navigating fluidly through a pluralism of styles and techniques, Chiao is the founder of Niertism — a futuristic, ethical philosophical system that explores technological immortality, scientific advancement, and harmlessness toward living nature. His work frequently addresses the future of visual art, envisioning humanity’s evolution into creators of synthetic realities and multi-dimensional digital simulations.

Born into a family of computer specialists, Chiao received a rigorous classical training at the Minsk Art School and the Fine Arts Lyceum. In 2000, he entered the Belarusian State Academy of Arts, developing an extensive body of academic work under the guidance of Professor Nikolai Kireev.

Relocating to the United States in 2004, Chiao integrated into the vibrant New York art scene. His international breakthrough came in 2007 with the solo exhibition Time and Measures at Behr-Thyssen ltd on Manhattan. Since then, his work has been extensively exhibited across the US and Europe, including collaborations with Tallantyre Gallery (UK), Mimi Ferzt, Hendershot, and Krause Gallery in New York, as well as major international art fairs like Scope and the Affordable Art Fair in New York and London.