Visual Arts Program Director and Upper School art instructor Mr. Nino Liguori tells stories with paintbrushes. Through his paintings, he weaves together visual parables and allegories that challenge viewers to engage in deep reflection. His work is a fusion of history, design and the human experience—an artistic dialogue between fable and fact, imagination and realism. As an acclaimed artist and dedicated educator, Mr. Liguori’s journey has been shaped by his passion for both creation and instruction, ensuring that future generations continue to find meaning through art.
Born and raised in New York City, Mr. Liguori’s artistic path was profoundly influenced by an art teacher who changed his perspective on life. “He was putting nice things into the world, and that’s what I wanted to do,” said Mr. Liguori. Inspired to pursue both art and education, he attended the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in painting and art education. His career as an educator began in Florida where he taught at three schools in Broward County before finding his place at Pine Crest. Along the way, he continued to refine his craft, earning a master’s degree in Art and Science from Florida International University. “I spent summers studying in China and Paris, and that really inspired me to be a better teacher,” he said. “Instructors in college often saw students as competition, but I never wanted that. I want my students to be better than me.”
Before dedicating himself fully to painting, Mr. Liguori was a musician in a band. But ultimately, he wanted to rely more fully on himself as a creator. His work soon gained recognition, earning awards and exhibiting in galleries worldwide. “I like a moment of tension,” he explained. “A collector once told me there’s always conflict in my work. That lingering sensation allows the viewer to draw their own conclusion. Pretty pictures have their place, but I want my work to be meaningful—like a good movie or song; something that speaks to who we are as people.”
Maya Todorov ’26 and Mr. Nino Liguori celebrate Maya's Congressional Art District winning piece, "Maestro"
Mr. Liguori’s experience as an educator has profoundly impacted his storytelling through art. “Being an effective teacher means not holding secrets,” he said. “I share everything with my students. As I improve as an artist, I become a better teacher, and that continuous cycle elevates both my work and theirs.” He emphasizes the importance of technique in his teaching, a principle he embraced during his master’s studies. “In undergrad, they would say, ‘Make a warm painting of a woman,’ but they wouldn’t teach you technique. I learned that in my master’s program, and now I make sure my students learn it too.”
Formal education aside, Mr. Liguori’s travels across Europe and Asia have also significantly influenced his artistic perspective. “In Europe, storytelling in art is often blunt and direct, while in the Far East, it’s more meandering and ethereal,” he noted. “I like that approach—where the viewer must connect the dots to understand the meaning.” His recent exhibition, "The Bill of Wrongs," explores the complexities of American identity. “I didn’t pick a side on any topic,” he said. “But it’s fascinating how viewers project their own interpretations. Some were convinced I had made a political statement when, in reality, I left the conclusions up to them. That’s the power of art—it invites conversation across the spectrum.” He also reflected on how art has shifted in contemporary culture. “The art I grew up on told us that you didn’t need to know who the artist was to connect with the work. This is often how I teach. However, now everything is more personal. So I wanted to create something universal, something that speaks to everyone. And what’s more fundamental to us as Americans than the Bill of Rights?”
"Amendement 1" from the Bill of Wrongs series by Mr. Nino Liguori
Describing himself as an “allegorical surrealist,” Mr. Liguori blends recognizable elements with unexpected, almost magical components. “I want to utilize my technical skill without being bound by strict realism. There’s something compelling about a moment of magical tension. What I mean about a ‘magical moment of tension,’ is that within one of these divine moments where something surreal or unexpected happens, it can make humanity and even life itself seem so clear, obvious and intuitive.”
Mr. Liguori’s decision to work in painting stems from its ability to bring his visions to life. “I can get what’s in my head out,” he said. “It’s almost childish in a way, but that moment of magical tension is something I love.”
Staying consistent in his work, Mr. Liguori carefully crafts every detail. He even signs his work “ALiguori,” a name with layered significance. “It operates on three levels,” he explained. “Initially, my work focused on visual allegories about the artistic process. Then, I expanded into contemporary street and graphic art, exploring the human condition and psychological phenomena. The ‘A’ in Italian means ‘to’ or ‘from,’ so it represents both my name and the idea of allegory itself.” His logo, a grappling hook without rope, serves as a reminder that his art is meant to elevate but requires the viewer to bring their own perspective. “My work will elevate you, but you have to bring your own rope to make the climb.”
"Working Through Form 1" by Mr. Nino Liguori
As an artist-in-residence in Pompano Beach, Mr. Liguori has found a supportive community. “The artists I’ve met have become family,” he said. “The directors and managers here are always offering opportunities. Pompano is evolving, and I love being part of that transformation—bringing art and resources to the community.” Through his work, both on canvas and in the classroom, Mr. Liguori continues to shape narratives that challenge, inspire and endure. His art invites us to look closer, to question and ultimately to find meaning in the stories we see and those which we tell ourselves.
