Patrick Cicalo at SoHo Photo
In July 2021, my wife Phyllis and I traveled to New York City for two things. First was to photograph and extend my Gesture portfolio which was begun at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris in 2019 and to be extended with photographs from the Museum of Modern Art. Second, was to see my friend Patrick Cicalo's exhibition at SoHo Photo in Manhattan.
Disclaimer: Patrick and I have been good friends since we co-produced a one man exhibition for our friend and fellow photographer, Bob Pliskin in 2015. Bob has since passed and Patrick and I both agree that exhibition for him was one of our most rewarding efforts the two of us have made in our photography careers. Since 2015, Patrick has gone on to be the long standing President of Ground Glass - a photo group located in Westchester County, New York; of which I was formerly a member prior to moving to Maryland.
We had a very productive and enjoyable visit with Patrick at SoHo Photo. Below I have posted 6 of his excellent images and his artist statement regarding his exhibition.
What is important to think about when evaluating an exhibit like this one, is to think abut and understand what it takes to make a selection of 16 coherent images that hang together as a portfolio. “Permission to See” is a perfect example of an artist seizing an idea and running with it. In the beginning it is just an idea. Then maybe one or two; or a few photographs are taken. At some point, maybe the photographer asks: “Can this be developed into a series?” In the beginning, when it is not a completely fleshed out idea, it is up to the photographer to visualize the idea and act on it, creating a body of work. However, as he describes in his artist’s statement - “But regardless of what I saw, at no time is it meant to give its viewer anything other than their own permission to see.”
For the complete look at Patrick’s exhibition GO TO:
“Permission to See” by Patrick Cicalo”. Also be sure to read Pat’s “Artist Statement” about the work.
