Nicholas Smith investigates sexuality, queer identity and memory in his works. Ceramics form the basis of his practice and are augmented with painting and sculptural elements fashioned from found materials. His materially rich assemblages weave references to personal aesthetic and material inheritances, including the interiors and decor of regional suburban homes, symbolism and imagery associated with the Roman Catholic Church, crafts that have been passed down by maternal family members, along with twentieth century décor and artistic lineages.

Nicholas Smith was awarded the American Friends of the National Gallery of Australia AusArt Fellowship in 2019 and completed a Masters of Fine Art, Visual Art at ArtCenter College of Design, Los Angeles in 2022. Previously he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours at Monash University in 2013. His recent exhibitions include: Future Remains: The 2024 Macfarlane Commissions, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, 2024; Queer: Stories from The NGV Collection, National Gallery of Victoria, 2022; Future Inheritance, NGV Design Week, National Gallery of Victoria, 2021; Swaddle me, West Space, Melbourne, 2016; and Feint Understanding, TCB Art Inc., Melbourne, 2015.