Antonio Nocera was born in Caivano (NA) in 1949 and studied at the Institute of Art and the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, exploring painting, set design, sculpture, leatherwork, ceramics, and various printing techniques. In 1970, after moving to Milan, he exhibited at Galleria la Ripa. In 1975, he showcased a significant exhibition on the theme of Resistance at Scuderie della Pilotta in Parma, later transferred to Modena at the Civic Museums. In 1978, he created the official poster for the Museum of the First Partisan Republic in Montefiorino (MO).

Nocera continued to present exhibitions in France, Switzerland, Canada, and England, consolidating the theme of “Pulcinella.” In 1988, he relocated to Rome, collaborating with the State Mint and Parliamentary Institutions. In 1989, he was invited by the committee for the Bicentennial Celebrations of the French Revolution for an exhibition at the European Parliament in Strasbourg and later in Rome, under the patronage of the French Embassy. Solo exhibitions followed in Naples, Parma, and Paris, where he resided for several years, exhibiting at Galleria Furstenberg and participating in Saga Fiac. He alternated between Italy and Belgium, exhibiting at St. Jacques Gallery and Liehrmann Gallery and presenting the precious volume “Le Petit Chaperon Rouge” at the Lineart Fair in Ghent.

In 1997, he created a portfolio for the World Foundation for AIDS Research by Prof. Luc Montagnier under the auspices of UNESCO. In 1998, he designed the official sculpture for the eleventh World Congress of the International Association of Industrial Relations held in Bologna. In April of the same year, he donated a bas-relief titled “Year 2000” to Pope John Paul II, and in March 1999, he produced the volume “Gospels” for the Jubilee. In 2000, he initiated a new cycle of works titled “Terres de lune, terres de fable,” and in the Monastery of San Giovanni in Parma, he started the exhibition series “Gospels in the Monasteries of Europe.” In 2001, he previewed the jewelry sculpture collection “La Luna e lo Zodiaco” and the cycle “Pinocchio e la Luna,” subsequently exhibited internationally. In June 2002, he presented the illustrated volume “Le Avventure di Pinocchio – Storia di un burattino” in Rome at the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities – Alessandrina Hall – Palazzo della Sapienza. He inaugurated the exhibition “Pinocchio et la lune” at the Municipality of Paris, later at the European Parliament in Brussels, with an introduction by President Giorgio Napolitano. In July 2003, he opened a solo exhibition at the Pontifical Lateran University titled “Sacred Images,” in conjunction with the European Symposium “University and School in Europe.” On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his pontificate, he was received by His Holiness John Paul II in Castel Gandolfo.

In 2005, commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Patronage INCA CGIL, he exclusively created some works and developed the logo for the occasion. With the blessing of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, he placed the sculpture “Christus Patiens” at the Church of the Holy Spirit of the Neapolitans in Rome and inaugurated the dedicated exhibition. He created works of high institutional representation for the Department for Archival and Library Assets of the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities. In 2006, he produced the bronze monument for the 50th anniversary of the Marcinelle tragedy in Belgium, commissioned by the National Presidency of the Patronage INCA CGIL. During the official visit to the Vatican, on November 20, President Giorgio Napolitano donated a silver bas-relief by Nocera titled “Pace” to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. In 2007, the artist inaugurated his solo exhibition “Once Upon a Time…” in Rome, featuring over 150 sculptures, canvases, and drawings, at the Monumental Complex of S. Michele a Ripa under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, with the patronage of the Senate, Chamber, Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Public Education, and local authorities. The same exhibition was later hosted at Palazzo Doria Pamphilj in Valmontone, at the Royal Palace of Naples, at Lihermann Gallery in Liege, at Ex Aurum in Pescara, and at Pall Mall Gallery in London.

In Rome, in 2010, he inaugurated the exhibition “Beyond the Nest” at the Trajan’s Markets. In 2011, he participated in the 54th Venice Biennale (Arsenale Corderia, Tesa delle Vergini) with a monumental installation. In October of the same year, at the invitation of the Italian Ambassador, Antonio Morabito, he presented an installation titled “Beyond the Sea” on the esplanade of the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, inaugurated by H.S.H. Caroline de Hanover. In November 2011, he was in Naples at The Apartment contemporary art. Later, the Maestro exhibited at Galerie l’Alge d’Airain in Monaco. In 2012, he presented “Il Grande nido” in Milan, hosted by Palazzo Lombardia, on the occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit, with the presentation by Professor Louis Godart. Subsequently, the exhibition “Beyond the Nest – Beyond the Sea” was hosted at the Santo Spirito Museum Complex in Lanciano