In a truly New York moment in a fifth-floor loft on the Bowery, artist Carmen Cicero and I find ourselves enveloped in the warm light of his studio, where vibrant canvases tell stories of tragedy and triumph. A long life marked by vivid colors and dramatic twists, the journey of 97-year-old Cicero is as dynamic as the paintings that adorn the walls of this quiet space where he has lived for more than 50 years.
Cicero – who still climbs all those stairs every time he comes home – recounts the day his parallel paths as a musician and painter tragically intersected when a devastating fire destroyed both his beloved clarinet and about 40 of his early artworks. Yet from those New Jersey ashes rose a phoenix of creative enthusiasm that propelled him to the energetic streets of the Bowery in 1971, where his artistic soul found new resonance in Lower Manhattan. His resilience in the face of such devastating loss is a testament to his indomitable spirit and serves as a beacon of inspiration for all.
Our conversation meanders through the realms of inspiration that drive Cicero’s work. “Nature and human experience intersect at a vibrant intersection of reality and abstraction,” he says. The artist describes his creative process as a ballet of spontaneity and contemplation – stretching canvases, mixing plaster, and letting his subconscious guide the brush without intellectual interference. This method produces a flow of images and colors that speak in a language that only paint can express – near, far, emotional, detached – with each hue playing its part in the symphony of the canvas.
Cicero’s eyes light up as he recounts an unexpected encounter that led to one of his paintings being featured in an exhibition at the prestigious Guggenheim Museum. It was a chance meeting with the museum’s director – and a lucky compliment from the legendary Joan Miró – that led to an exchange of artworks and illuminated a pivotal moment in his career. Woven from threads of admiration and artistic recognition, this story highlights the serendipitous nature of life and art, leaving us in awe of the unpredictable paths that creativity can take us down.
When we spoke, Cicero was excited about numerous projects, including a Joshua Charow exhibition at the Westwood Gallery in New York, which ran through July 13 and featured some of Cicero’s latest work. Additionally, a book is in the works at Abbeville Press that will showcase his drawings and watercolors and offer a deeper look into his creative process. And finally, his story will also reach audiences through a new video by Charow that adds a multimedia dimension to his artistic narrative (a clip of the video went viral on TikTok and Instagram). The anticipation for these projects is palpable.
As our dialogue deepens, Cicero shares philosophical reflections on the role of an artist in society. “Every artist wants their work to be seen and admired,” he says. Yet he acknowledges a spectrum where some crave fame while others shun it and focus solely on the art itself. This reflection provides insight into the varying motivations that drive artists, and reveals Cicero’s keen insight into the emotional and intellectual currents that underlie the artistic community. For creatives considering diving into the art world, Cicero offers some self-serving advice, tempered with a laugh: “Don’t do it—you’re competition,” he chuckles. Although his advice is meant as a joke, it is an acknowledgement of today’s challenging art scene, which is very different from when he began his journey. Yet beneath his joke lies a serious undertone that encourages persistence and resilience in the face of inevitable challenges.
Cicero remains a beacon of inspiration, not only for his vibrant use of color and form, but also for his resilience and philosophical depth. At the end of our time together, I have a deeper understanding of an artist who not only witnessed the evolution of the New York art scene, but also shaped it with his distinctive palette and indomitable spirit.
Nicole Ianniello is an art curator in NYC and can be reached at: nicole@nicolemarienyc or nicolemarienyc.com.
6 Southern Art Galleries to Visit This Summer
MANHATTAN
MercerLabs
Experience Roy Nachum’s groundbreaking art (he is the man behind Rihanna’s Anti Album cover) at Mercer Labs, one of the world’s most immersive experiences bringing the art world to the masses. This innovative space showcases Nachum’s thought-provoking works and is a must-see for anyone seeking a fresh and inspiring artistic journey. www.mercerlabs.com • 21 Dey Street
Margot Samel Gallery
Enter the surreal landscape of artist Miguel Cardenas when his enchanting exhibition “Shadow Garden” opens (August 2) at Margot Samel Gallery. Let your imagination run wild as you explore his vibrant, masterful works that blend imagery of fantastical animals and abstract forms to create an otherworldly garden you’ll never forget.
margotsamel.com • 295 Church Street
Westwood Gallery
Don’t miss the Westwood Gallery, a cultural landmark since 1995 known for its dynamic and diverse exhibitions. While you may not always find Carmen Cicero’s works on the walls, they are a valuable part of the gallery’s collection. Current exhibitions include “Boris Lurie: 100 Years” (July 18-27) and Kimiko Fujimura (starting September 5). westwoodgallery.com • 262 Archway
HAMPTON
James Katsipis Photography Gallery
Discover the captivating world of Montauk’s oceanic beauty at the new James Katsipis Photography Gallery. This mesmerizing space showcases Katsipis’ stunning fine art photography, custom surfboards, and unique series of limited edition works, all celebrating the essence of his Hamptons hometown.
szmtag jameskatsipis.com • 742 Montauk Highway, Montauk
The Montauk Beach House
Discover the rich visual history of Jesse Frohman’s illustrious career as a photographer in the exhibition “Where Elegance Blossoms” (July 19 – August 2) at Montauk Beach House. It features iconic portraits, delicate floral paintings and a new horse series that showcase Frohman’s distinctive style that combines timeless elegance with contemporary flair. Return later this summer for “Here, There, Everywhere,” featuring the mesmerizing work of renowned photographer Ruvan Wijesooriya (August 2 – 8). Both exhibitions are curated by Nicole Ianniello. thembh.com • 55 S Elmwood Ave, Montauk
Lisa Perry’s Onna House
Immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of women artists at Lisa Perry’s Onna House, a private home open by appointment only; visitors can book via email. (email protected)Each visit offers a unique experience with changing exhibitions celebrating female creativity.
www.onnahouse.com • East Hampton
