Born in Chemnitz, Germany, 1965. Lives and works in Berlin and Chemnitz.

Carsten Nicolai is a visual artist, composer and musician. As a visual artist mainly creating objects and installations, Nicolai seeks to overcome the separation of the art forms and genres to sensitize human perception to the interconnection of the different sensory levels.

Nicolai received numerous prizes and stipends, such as Villa Massimo, Rome, 2007; Zurich Prize, Basel, 2007; Villa Aurora, Los Angeles, 2003; Golden Nica, Ars Electronica, Linz (2000 and 2001); F6-Philip Morris Graphik-Preis, Dresden, 2000. His works have been shown at national and international major exhibitions in prestigious galleries and museums. His work has been acquired by prominent private and public collections worldwide.

For several years now Nicolai has released albums under the pseudonyms noto and alva noto which he has presented at live shows in national and international concert halls, clubs and museums. He has cooperated with renowned composers and musician including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Blixa Bargeld, Ryoji Ikeda, Michael Nyman, Mika Vainio, Olaf Bender + Frank Bretschneider (signal), as well as with diverse orchestras for modern music, such as Ensemble Modern, BCN 216 and Zeitkratzer.