Carmen Cicero and the Art of a Lifetime

I watched another film by Joshua Charow, this time about Carmen Cicero, an abstract expressionist painter whose work is in museums like MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Whitney. He has lived and worked in one of New York’s artist lofts for decades, creating paintings that are bold and full of life.

The film is part of Joshua’s Loft Law project, which looks at the last artists still living in these original lofts. The law, introduced in the eighties, gave protection to artists who had moved into old industrial spaces and turned them into homes and studios.

Carmen’s space feels like a time capsule, full of energy from years of painting and living in one place. What I liked most was his calm, focused approach. There is no rush, no need to follow trends, just steady work over a lifetime.

It made me think about my own art. My work is often quick and playful, using bold colour and simple shapes. Carmen’s paintings feel different, slower and more layered, yet they share that same commitment to finding a personal voice and sticking with it.

The lesson for me is simple. Take your time. Let your space and your art grow together. Keep showing up and trust that the work will add up over time.