I Photographed 96-Year-Old Painter Carmen Cicero in his NYC Studio

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  • čas přidán 11. 03. 2024
  • Buy the book: www.damianibooks.com/en/produ...
    Contact me: joshuacharow@gmail.com
    To inquire about purchasing a print, please contact: info@westwoodgallery.com
    I spent the past two years creating my first photography book titled 'Loft Law. The Last of New York City's Original Artist Lofts' about artists living under the protection of the Loft Law. The law, enacted in 1982, granted protection and rent stabilization to thousands of artists who were living illegally in commercial and manufacturing zoned lofts in neighborhoods like Soho, Tribeca, and the Bowery after the manufacturing industry predominantly left Manhattan. I photographed and interviewed over 75 artists who are still living in these incredible lofts to this day. The photographs explore some of the most unique beautiful, and hidden artist studios across New York City. The book includes writing and personal stories from the incredible group of artists featured in the book.
    Carmen Cicero is an abstract expressionist painter whose works are collected by some of New York’s premier museums including the Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum and Whitney Museum of American Art. To see more of his work: www.carmencicero.com/
    For Carmen Cicero's Painting Inquiries: junekellygalleryinfo@earthlink.net
    Cinematography by Owen Halstad
    Edit by Josh Charow
    Subscribe for more videos coming soon!
    Follow me on Instagram: / joshuacharow

Komentáře • 576

  • @jamesbrown8908
    @jamesbrown8908 Před 2 měsíci +455

    Damn, he’s looking great for 96!!

  • @thinkplanetearth2946
    @thinkplanetearth2946 Před 2 měsíci +137

    I cannot believe this man is 96. Could've listened a bit longer. With 50+ years living in NY he must have a ton of stories. I enjoyed this.

  • @fosbury68
    @fosbury68 Před 2 měsíci +140

    Hiking up and down those 5 flights of stairs at 96 - God bless you Carmen.

    • @grownmangamer942
      @grownmangamer942 Před 2 měsíci +17

      probably a reason hes doing so well at his age.

    • @thalooti-food51
      @thalooti-food51 Před měsícem +2

      Have you seen those steep steps? Wow.
      Walking up and down so many steps is an immediate exercise. When he walks those steps, it makes him vital.

  • @margaretcroft
    @margaretcroft Před 2 měsíci +151

    He’s not 96 years OLD, he’s 96 years YOUNG! Amazing video…thank you Josh! Well done! I paint and a studio like that would be a dream..can’t wait to get your book. Loft Law!

  • @user-jz3cc5tl8b
    @user-jz3cc5tl8b Před 2 měsíci +130

    Josh, many thanks for this wonderful glimpse of Carmen and Mary's studio loft. It is a special place that our family has shared so much love and laughter. Carmen is truly amazing, even more so in person.

    • @joshuacharow
      @joshuacharow  Před 2 měsíci +14

      Mary & Carmen are so wonderful. Thanks for taking the time to write these kind words

    • @bibijet1316
      @bibijet1316 Před 2 měsíci

      Amazing work, amazing subject 🎨 🖼 🙌

  • @forgeahead6287
    @forgeahead6287 Před 2 měsíci +66

    This is the kind of set up I’d love to have to live and work. I’m 60, got my art degree in 1991 and have struggled to do art. But I will never give up. I absolutely love the environment he’s created for himself. He looks amazing for his age…this is what happens when you love what you do.

    • @brankobelfranin8815
      @brankobelfranin8815 Před 2 měsíci

      I'm 67 and doing the same thing but in Miami

    • @chrisreynoldsartwork
      @chrisreynoldsartwork Před 2 měsíci +2

      Yes, me also. It's a shame that his work is terrible!

    • @brankobelfranin8815
      @brankobelfranin8815 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@chrisreynoldsartwork Lol what a nice guy

    • @chrisreynoldsartwork
      @chrisreynoldsartwork Před 2 měsíci

      @@brankobelfranin8815 Sure, people can't handle any kind of truth these days...

    • @thugmonk9837
      @thugmonk9837 Před měsícem +5

      ​@@chrisreynoldsartwork I've heard people say the same about Basquiats work so hey 🤷🏾‍♂️ that's the thing about art it's subjective

  • @andreacooks59
    @andreacooks59 Před 2 měsíci +71

    Being an Artist preserves you..I'm convinced.

    • @higgsmerino3925
      @higgsmerino3925 Před 2 měsíci

      Eva Hesse is laughing hysterically!

    • @hanshaveron
      @hanshaveron Před 2 měsíci +1

      Well said..Something about an absence of authority of how to live your life mixed with doing what you love ..he seems sharp and young as could be

    • @joey1317
      @joey1317 Před 2 měsíci +1

      It didn’t preserve Van Gogh or Jackson Pollock…..

    • @jdmosaics
      @jdmosaics Před měsícem

      @@higgsmerino3925sadly nothing could have saved her from brain cancer😢 RIP sweet lady ❤

    • @mariam2964
      @mariam2964 Před měsícem +1

      That and going up and down five flights of stairs every day

  • @myradioon
    @myradioon Před 2 měsíci +45

    In the 80's my Art School Professors lived in lofts like this and would have the classes come for studio visits etc. That's a classic NYC Artist Loft. He's The Man.

  • @christinebarone2151
    @christinebarone2151 Před 2 měsíci +74

    What a cool man!!! He’s an inspiration to all of us seniors 🥰

    • @cumbaja3456
      @cumbaja3456 Před 2 měsíci +7

      i just semi retired from work. There is another life to live. Besides help out my kids and see the grand kids develop. and yes art is part of that stage in life.

  • @patstats1
    @patstats1 Před 2 měsíci +60

    Last of the living NYC abstract expressionists…what a wonderful "glimpse" into his life. I’d certainly watch more.

  • @redmoondesignbeth9119
    @redmoondesignbeth9119 Před 2 měsíci +52

    Thank You ALL for sharing. Delightful. My Big Regret is that I wasn't part of the NYC Art Scene in the 50s, But I was just a kid then. LOL Someone showed me Grandma Moses when I was 5 and I decided that I would live an extraordinary life and then start painting when I was 70. Well, I just turned 72 and I landed in Santa Fe after an extraordinary life.

    • @bluewren65
      @bluewren65 Před 2 měsíci +2

      Did you start painting?

    • @redmoondesignbeth9119
      @redmoondesignbeth9119 Před 2 měsíci +8

      @@bluewren65 Yes ✌😊

    • @veronicababy7959
      @veronicababy7959 Před 2 měsíci +4

      Lets go! I just turned 70 and am doing graphic memoir.

    • @redmoondesignbeth9119
      @redmoondesignbeth9119 Před 2 měsíci +5

      @@veronicababy7959 I like being this age because I have more to say.✌😄

    • @bluewren65
      @bluewren65 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@redmoondesignbeth9119 Fantastic. What medium are you working in? What types of subjects?

  • @mariep9645
    @mariep9645 Před 2 měsíci +54

    His studio seems like a really cool space to experience.

  • @Twilson4156
    @Twilson4156 Před 2 měsíci +14

    This was beautiful and i am shock on how that 96 yr old man moves and speak without help! ART 🎨❤

  • @precioustraveler
    @precioustraveler Před 2 měsíci +16

    #GOALS! Carmen looks amazing; he is mentally sharp, and he is still creating art. I don't necessarily need to live up to 96 years old, but if I do, Carmen is an inspiration for how I want to live my life. Cheers!
    Also, Bravo to @Josh Charow for publishing your book. Thank you and your collaborators for this engaging series of videos.

  • @ChromaQueen
    @ChromaQueen Před 11 dny +1

    What a lovely video portrait of Carmen! My mother, Fannette, gave an art show in her UWS apt., back in the 60s, including Carmen’s work and several artists. We proudly display several of his paintings from back then.
    I remember him as a charming vibrant person, who I would see years later in Provincetown.
    My mother would love to say hello to him, she’s 98 years old now.

  • @johnclement9370
    @johnclement9370 Před 2 měsíci +14

    Still looks good for 96, a sharp creative mind, he gets around independently, he's living the Life, good on him, interesting and Imaginative artwork with bold colors and images, amazing stuff. :-)

  • @juanpablosilvaaleman539
    @juanpablosilvaaleman539 Před 2 měsíci +17

    incredible talent and the vitality he has for being 96 years old is truly amazing !!!

  • @FromtheSoultotheFretboard
    @FromtheSoultotheFretboard Před měsícem +3

    Love the background jazz music, too

  • @imagemakerssociety
    @imagemakerssociety Před 2 měsíci +9

    This is one of the coolest things ever! Wow. I WANT this book! I was born and raised in NYC through highschool but have been living in FL for many years now. And hearing this 90s+ year old man share his story was so fascinating and a little reminder of even my days growing up in the 80s in NYC. How dramatically it's changed but how awesome to find sweet little charming spaces that still exist. Thanks for capturing it dude!

  • @bonniesidler4309
    @bonniesidler4309 Před 2 měsíci +30

    What a wonderful artist. You really captured his charm in his conversation and his energy and talent in your incredible video and photos. ❤

  • @bellebeauty67
    @bellebeauty67 Před 2 měsíci +9

    Doing what you love, and climbing those stairs to the top floor have served Carmen well!!❤ The loft is gorgeous. I lived on 4th Street n Bowery (late 80’s early 90’s)for over 10 yrs. How fortunate to have that space for over 50 yrs What was once a remote, desolate are in NYC, is now extremely pricey real estate. Beautiful content, thank you.

  • @Cactina
    @Cactina Před 2 měsíci +15

    Thank you for this wonderful portrait! What a wonderful artist and raconteur.

  • @slowfashionstyle
    @slowfashionstyle Před 2 měsíci +4

    Looking inside the artist studio loft is incredible! Thank you for the video!

  • @rontober4611
    @rontober4611 Před 2 měsíci +13

    Thank you.. It was great to meet the painter. Good art and a great personality. Thanks for keeping the art world he is in alive. 💜💛💙❤

    • @joshuacharow
      @joshuacharow  Před 2 měsíci +3

      Thank you for watching and the generous words :)

  • @tkross4342
    @tkross4342 Před 2 měsíci +8

    Thank you for sharing this important part of history!!!! Mr. Cicero and his wife are very inspiring!

  • @tomsplitt4853
    @tomsplitt4853 Před 2 měsíci +6

    Thanks for doing this. What a good soul you are!

  • @rebekahcuriel-alessi2239
    @rebekahcuriel-alessi2239 Před 2 měsíci +7

    Wowwwwww!!!! And Mr Cicero is quite beautiful. Thank you, this is everything I like!! 🫂 🎨

  • @SinaLaJuanaLewis
    @SinaLaJuanaLewis Před 2 měsíci +5

    Thank you for doing this!!! Mr. Cicero is a cool dude. Looking good at 96😮

  • @kimberlypotts8922
    @kimberlypotts8922 Před 2 měsíci +5

    THIS is priceless. Great work, Josh. Just wow. ❤❤❤ Just ordered your beautiful book. Sending you much good energy toward the project. - k

  • @imluisnunes
    @imluisnunes Před 2 měsíci +12

    Amazing stuff here, inspiration of the day!

  • @melanieeberhardt69
    @melanieeberhardt69 Před 2 měsíci +6

    I really enjoyed this interview and meeting Carmen. Thank you

  • @Vuedigital
    @Vuedigital Před 2 měsíci +7

    This is brilliant mate, you told his story perfectly

  • @peterlundskow4061
    @peterlundskow4061 Před 2 měsíci +6

    I was so taken by this video & the other photos from your book I ordered a copy. Looking forward to getting it in April. I surely hope you will continue with videos of the other artists & their lofts you photographed. Such a great connection to when NYC was the true heart of the Art World & even farther back, as the buildings are some of the few examples left of typical architecture from the City in the 19th Century, Thank You!

  • @MsPWoods
    @MsPWoods Před 2 měsíci +4

    Loved this photo shoot Josh. What a story, what an inspiration, what a life
    . Thanks

  • @Monique-rn9lg
    @Monique-rn9lg Před 2 měsíci +5

    Wow! That was excellent. His work is wonderful, and so is he. Thank you so much for doing this. I'm getting your book.

  • @PinPimYT
    @PinPimYT Před 2 měsíci +5

    I love the effort you put into your videos. The quality of everything from composition, editing and audio mixing far surpass your subscriber count. Best of luck with the channel!

  • @loribeetler591
    @loribeetler591 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Wow, what a wonderful life this man has seen and been part of.

  • @studioLanaK
    @studioLanaK Před 2 měsíci +4

    Beautiful artist, thank you for documenting this!

  • @CJShopland_Art
    @CJShopland_Art Před 2 měsíci +3

    Nearing 37 I wish I was as young as this artist! Will have to buy the book, I would love a loft space like this, with all that art storage :) wonderfully shot and love the stories and how this video was edited together 🥰🥰🥰

  • @redinabloogs8477
    @redinabloogs8477 Před 2 měsíci +1

    This is what I need to see!!! As an old artist 🎨 I believe I will still be painting into my 100s if I just keep working!!! Thanks 😊

  • @TonySwaby
    @TonySwaby Před 2 měsíci +2

    Love this, great work, great man. Superbly done.

  • @iamthatiamstevenm
    @iamthatiamstevenm Před 2 měsíci +2

    Amazing. You are so smart to film him. You should do more. Lot's to learn here about art which is life...

  • @svensergehamann1669
    @svensergehamann1669 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Thank you for your work and for creating an important document of our times! I will buy your book, that's for sure! Cheers from Berlin

  • @my-mysknitsaloon
    @my-mysknitsaloon Před 2 měsíci +3

    You take me to places with your photograps that I never want to leave. Your book is nr:1on my wishing list. Warm grettings from Northern Sweden❣

  • @JCRobbinsGuitar
    @JCRobbinsGuitar Před 2 měsíci +2

    Hell yeah !!! Finally inspired thought.
    Thank you Josh, you made my day.

  • @LifebyBertie
    @LifebyBertie Před 2 měsíci +3

    Hi Josh, just purchased your book! What an awesome story, documenting this is of absolute great value as it is a truly beautiful piece of New York history!!! 🙏🏻

  • @chilli_bean_23
    @chilli_bean_23 Před 2 měsíci +1

    FAB photos! 👏👏👏 What an amazingly vibrant and upbeat man, fantastic to see into his world. Thank you (from Ireland!)

  • @catluvnj
    @catluvnj Před 2 měsíci +3

    Fabulous, thank you for sharing this story with. Love the vibe

  • @gol622
    @gol622 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Made me feel so good... thank you 🥰

  • @marcarturi2137
    @marcarturi2137 Před 2 měsíci +6

    Great video Josh! I really enjoyed what Carmine had to say. Thanks for posting it!

  • @carmenruiz5033
    @carmenruiz5033 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Great great video! Of a greater artist! Thank you ❤ and fabulous photographs!

  • @chrisgiuliano1966
    @chrisgiuliano1966 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Wonderful segment! Just loved it,thank you for it!

  • @Highvibes777
    @Highvibes777 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Absolutely beautiful man!!!! Love the studio!

  • @lazyscorsese6653
    @lazyscorsese6653 Před dnem

    What a dude!
    Thank you so much for appreciating interesting, cultured and talented people like Carmen. It's a fantastic project you have going there 🙏

  • @robertm.8608
    @robertm.8608 Před 2 měsíci +3

    What A treat. THANK YOU.

  • @kolorfulkarol
    @kolorfulkarol Před 2 měsíci +2

    This is so well made and I love Carmen’s story so much, new subscriber and fan here! ✨

  • @ladenacrenshaw3258
    @ladenacrenshaw3258 Před 2 měsíci +1

    From one artist to another, you go DUDE!!, Show them what you got BABY!! What a great life!!

  • @hoagyguitarmichael
    @hoagyguitarmichael Před měsícem +1

    Love this series. At 75, Carmen is my hero for a possible future. My father had a coffee shop at Broadway and Bond and I used to deliver coffee to the factories around there. Later, I lived in Manhattan in the 70s and used to know people who lived in those same spaces. Your project brings back memories.

  • @perpetualmaker
    @perpetualmaker Před 2 měsíci +2

    Looking forward to receiving my copy! thank you for documenting these artists.

  • @psrosemary
    @psrosemary Před 2 měsíci +3

    Thank you!

  • @charlesbeaudelair8331
    @charlesbeaudelair8331 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Seems to be a relaxed, wise gentleman.

  • @SultanaP
    @SultanaP Před 2 měsíci +2

    Bless him! Cherish our elders!

  • @misplacedstyle
    @misplacedstyle Před 2 měsíci +2

    Thank you for your videos, I find them so inspirational.

  • @S41L0R
    @S41L0R Před 2 měsíci +3

    I really love how you're doing videos to accompany your book

    • @joshuacharow
      @joshuacharow  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thanks! It was such a rich story I wanted to make sure there was a video element too

  • @MadisonBriggsArtchick
    @MadisonBriggsArtchick Před 2 měsíci +1

    My dream life!!!! What a lucky and talented painter. Thank you for this!

  • @11buleria
    @11buleria Před 2 měsíci +1

    Josh, your idea to document these artist spaces Is fantastic. I will buy your book. I am in the age group to have lived in an old loft like the ones you visited. I see that most of the artists are the original inhabitants. Carmen Cicero is a tribute to art keeping one young in spirit. Thank you for sharing your work.

  • @vandannadale2689
    @vandannadale2689 Před 2 měsíci +1

    WoW! Both Mr.Cicero & his art AND the important work you’re doing, Josh! So glad to have stumbled on your channel! Carry on!✌🏼

  • @elliotblackshaw8586
    @elliotblackshaw8586 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Beautiful story, great photos.

  • @mariereilly2084
    @mariereilly2084 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Awesome work, Josh. And a fantastic artist and story of both the person as well as The Bowery. My good friend Håvard Homstvedt lived right there post RISD and Yale painting and it always felt like his work was enriched in that environment. Maybe angels live in the plaster or something. Anyways, thank you for your work. Just bought your book and can’t wait to swim in your photos!!❤❤❤❤

  • @muktigrace3677
    @muktigrace3677 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Fabulous!!!!! I love seeing such aliveness at any age. What a truly beautiful man/artist. You can tell when someone is living their souls truth.

  • @cary.macey_art
    @cary.macey_art Před 2 měsíci +1

    Fantastic work 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @NN57143
    @NN57143 Před 2 měsíci +1

    He is extraordinary! Thank you so much for this incredible video. Subscribed and I look forward to buying your book.

  • @yahoody9358
    @yahoody9358 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Beautiful and inspiring! I look forward to more!

  • @boicutOne
    @boicutOne Před 2 měsíci +1

    Wonderful and inspiring video! Being an artist myself watching portraits of older artists that have never stopped to follow their passion is so exciting to me. I believe its the key of „staying young“. I hope life means it well with me and this is me in 50 something years. The photos look great as well! Beautiful project.

  • @lisengel2498
    @lisengel2498 Před 2 měsíci +1

    What a lovely couple and they are radiating so much joy of life - very inspiring life 🎶🖤🎵

  • @OnlyGoodJawn
    @OnlyGoodJawn Před 2 měsíci +1

    We need more videos like this.

  • @MsAston007
    @MsAston007 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Great video. Love seeing these artists and how they pursued their Art throughout their lives. Bravo!

  • @edithraw8399
    @edithraw8399 Před 13 dny

    Saw your fantastic show at Westwood last week. Much respect & admiration to you for giving this generation of artists their due. So important to chronicle this special piece of NYC history & these artists' legacies. Beautiful fotos & videos. Thank you!

  • @djr3386
    @djr3386 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Thank you Josh for this interview. Nice photographs.
    Your latest subscriber 🙏🏽

  • @shadsfc6598
    @shadsfc6598 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Great job.Historical footage

  • @forestfamiliees
    @forestfamiliees Před 2 měsíci +1

    Such an incredible project, you should be really proud of yourself for putting this out into the world! Love the painter too, he seems so young at heart.

    • @joshuacharow
      @joshuacharow  Před 2 měsíci

      That is very kind of you - thank you! Carmen is incredible.

  • @loriannehancock6364
    @loriannehancock6364 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Brilliant. Thank you.

  • @coutureclown333
    @coutureclown333 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Sooooo happy youre doing this!!!❤

  • @user-xi4jw4mh7p
    @user-xi4jw4mh7p Před 2 měsíci +1

    Thank you for this video. What an inspiration. Love from Denmark❤️

  • @janissteadman285
    @janissteadman285 Před 2 měsíci +1

    important work your doing man, look forward to owning the book

  • @mikegroccia2273
    @mikegroccia2273 Před 2 měsíci +2

    fantastic video as always! can't wait for my copy of loft law to arrive

    • @joshuacharow
      @joshuacharow  Před 2 měsíci

      Thanks so much Mike! The books have almost arrived in the US and will be shipping at the end of the month. Thanks for supporting this project and your patience :)

    • @davidcattin7006
      @davidcattin7006 Před 2 měsíci

      @@joshuacharowGood to know. Was thinking I had ordered some time ago. Can't wait to receive!

  • @averytheamazingone
    @averytheamazingone Před 2 měsíci +1

    Can't wait for the book to ship out🔥🔥 had mine on order since last month lol

  • @staubyns16
    @staubyns16 Před 7 dny

    Joshua, thanks so much for posting these wonderful videos. The artists are all inspirational. You've done them proud

  • @user-yn4ol7ui9x
    @user-yn4ol7ui9x Před 2 měsíci +1

    Please interview more artists, I admire this interview

  • @richardmundy4288
    @richardmundy4288 Před 2 měsíci +1

    So glad I found your video. THANKS

  • @Pistou1000
    @Pistou1000 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Fantastic video, thank you so much for sharing! question: what’s the music in the background?

  • @user-uj8ib7hj5j
    @user-uj8ib7hj5j Před 2 měsíci +1

    Thank you for having the idea for this project. I wonder if the studios will be taken off the artists when they depart? I pray they are protected as loft studios for artists, or that they might be handed over to artists that need them. Great work.

  • @kathleenmacfarland1817
    @kathleenmacfarland1817 Před 2 měsíci

    What a handsome young man!!!!! Great attitude and good hearted! ❤💜🧡

  • @sannefridolin
    @sannefridolin Před 2 měsíci +1

    Wonderful reportage and portrait of this man

  • @startrekker188
    @startrekker188 Před 2 měsíci

    Carmen is amazing! He's definately part of a by gone era. Thx Josh. Carmen is a beautiful person ✌️☮️

  • @thchruan
    @thchruan Před 2 měsíci +1

    Wonderful, I've got your book on order. Love this video and his work is superb. What vitality for 96!

    • @joshuacharow
      @joshuacharow  Před 2 měsíci

      Thank you so much for ordering a copy! Carmen is a spectacular painter and filled with more energy than me

  • @lissywilson
    @lissywilson Před 20 dny

    Thank you for documenting these people, buildings and the lives lived inside. It’s fascinating and nostalgic and inspiring! Feels like a secret world which you and they have allowed us into before it disappears.

  • @metislamestiza3708
    @metislamestiza3708 Před 2 měsíci +1

    what a fascinating atmosphere to create in, and a really inspirational artist who seems ageless. i want to see more of his work - thank you for sharing his life! subscribed

  • @StevenNess
    @StevenNess Před 2 měsíci +1

    so well done. looking forward to more.

  • @patrick8030
    @patrick8030 Před 2 měsíci

    Great job Josh! And thanks for your personal comments at the end.