In a real New York City moment in a fifth-floor walkup loft on the Bowery, artist Carmen Cicero and I find ourselves enveloped in the warm light of his studio, where vibrant canvases tell tales of tragedy and triumph. A long life punctuated by vibrant colors and dramatic turns, the 97-year-old Cicero’s journey is as dynamic as the paintings that line the walls of this serene space in which he’s lived for more than 50 years.
Cicero—who yes, still climbs all those stairs every time he comes home—recounts the day that his parallel paths as musician and painter became tragically intertwined when a devastating fire claimed both his cherished clarinet and about 40 of his early artworks. Yet, from these ashes in New Jersey a phoenix of creative fervor rose, propelling 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 a 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 fuel Cicero’s work. “Nature and human experience intersect at a vivid junction of reality and abstraction,” he says. The artist describes his creative process as a ballet of spontaneity and contemplation—stretching canvases, mixing gesso, and allowing his unconscious to guide the brush without intellectual interference. This method births a flow of images and colors that speak in a language only color can articulate—near, far, emotional, detached—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 the inclusion of one of his paintings in a show at the prestigious Guggenheim Museum. It was a chance meeting with the museum director—and a fortuitous compliment from the legendary Joan Miró—that resulted in an exchange of artworks and highlights a pivotal moment in his career. This story, woven with threads of admiration and artistic validation, underscores the serendipitous nature of life and art, leaving us in awe of the unpredictable paths that creativity can lead us on.
When we spoke, Cicero brimmed with excitement for numerous projects, including a Joshua Charow exhibition at NYC’s Westwood Gallery that ran through July 13 and included some of Cicero’s latest works. There’s also a book in the works with Abbeville Press that features his drawings and watercolors to offer a deeper insight into his creative process. And finally, his story will also reach audiences through a new video by Charow, adding 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 musings on the role of an artist in society. “Every artist desires their work to be seen and admired,” he says. Yet, he acknowledges a spectrum where some yearn for fame while others shun it, focusing solely on the art itself. This reflection provides a glimpse into the diverse motivations that drive artists, revealing Cicero’s keen insight into the emotional and intellectual currents that underpin the artistic community. To 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. Though meant as a joke, his advice is an acknowledgment of today’s challenging art scene, vastly different from when he began his journey. Yet, beneath his jest is a serious undertone, encouraging persistence and resilience in the face of inevitable challenges.
Cicero remains a beacon of inspiration, not just for his vivid use of color and form but for his resilience and philosophical depth. As our time together concludes, I am left with a richer understanding of an artist who has not only witnessed the evolution of the New York art scene but has 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 Downstate Art Galleries to Visit This Summer
MANHATTAN
Mercer Labs
Experience Roy Nachum’s groundbreaking art (he’s the man behind Rihanna’s Anti album cover) at Mercer Labs, one of the worldwide immersive experiences bringing the art world to the masses. This innovative space showcases Nachum’s thought-provoking works, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a fresh and inspiring artistic journey. mercerlabs.com • 21 Dey Street
Margot Samel Gallery
Enter the surreal landscape of artist Miguel Cardenas when his enchanting exhibition “Shadow Garden” (starting Aug. 2) lands at Margot Samel Gallery. Let your imagination run wild as you explore his vivid, masterful works that blend fantastical beast imagery and abstract forms to create an otherworldly garden you won’t forget.
margotsamel.com • 295 Church Street
Westwood Gallery
Don’t miss the Westwood Gallery, a cultural landmark since 1995 that’s renowned for its dynamic and diverse exhibitions. While you may not always find Carmen Cicero’s works on the wall, they are a valued part of the gallery’s collection. Current exhibits include “Boris Lurie: 100 Years” (July 18-27) and Kimiko Fujimura (starting Sept. 5). westwoodgallery.com • 262 Bowery
HAMPTONS
James Katsipis Photography Gallery
Discover the mesmerizing world of Montauk’s oceanic beauty at the new James Katsipis Photography Gallery. This captivating space showcases Katsipis’ stunning fine art photography, custom surfboards and unique series of limited-edition works, all celebrating the essence of his Hamptons hometown.
jameskatsipis.com • 742 Montauk Highway, Montauk
The Montauk Beach House
Explore the rich visual history of Jesse Frohman’s illustrious photography career at Montauk Beach House exhibit “Where Elegance Blossoms” (July 19-Aug. 2), which features iconic portraits, delicate florals and a newly shot horse series, all showcasing Frohman’s distinctive style that blends timeless elegance with contemporary flair. Later this summer, return for “Here, There, Everywhere,” featuring the captivating works of renowned photographer Ruvan Wijesooriya (Aug. 2-8). Both exhibits were 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 by emailing [email protected]. Each visit offers a unique experience with rotating exhibitions that celebrate female creativity.
onnahouse.com • East Hampton