NICO PHOOKO is a South African visual artist, music painter, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and cultural director operating under the creative banner Art Ya Phooko. Known for pioneering a dynamic live stage music painting methodology, he creates spontaneous, rhythm-driven visual artwork in real-time collaboration with live jazz ensembles, traditional musicians, spoken-word poets, and dancers. Beyond the canvas and performance stage, his multidisciplinary practice spans composing and recording original percussion and vocals, crafting 3D mixed-media sculptures and assemblages from reclaimed found objects, directing transformative community arts initiatives, leading interactive residency programs, and painting large-scale public murals.

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