Origins
Get in contact
SECRET OF MANNA
Tim Nicholson, the University of Chicago’s first 3D sculpting professor, is a versatile artist whose work seamlessly blends sculpture, video game design, and luxury wearables. Under his artistic pseudonym, Secret of Manna, Nicholson has gained recognition for his Duchampian approach to ready-made art, reimagining everyday objects as contemporary sculptures and finely crafted jewelry.
With expertise in both traditional sculpture and digital artistry, Nicholson’s creations challenge conventional ideas of materiality and culture. His brand, Secret of Manna/S0MA, inspired by the iconic ‘90s video game, draws on themes from biblical mythology, early internet culture, and alchemical transformation to explore the intersection of value, technology, and craftsmanship.
Driven by a fascination with subtle cultural nuances and the ordinary objects we encounter, Nicholson’s work elevates the mundane to the extraordinary. As a professor, he encourages students to engage thoughtfully with their medium, fostering a deeper appreciation for its potential to transform both art and everyday life.