The Art Exhibit Reception in which we viewed Nicholas Carbonaro’s works was interesting. I thought that he took a very lighthearted approach to his work, which is often hard to find in today’s art world. I thought that “Art” was supposed to either make a political statement or display a difficult conclusion or detail about the human condition. Nicholas’s art was nothing like these two genres. His art was more about learning to laugh about the imperfections that life brings us.

I was very surprised when Nicholas told us that he often performed sketches for people on the subway. It was strikingly different than my preconceptions about people formally painting detailed and realistic images of people who desire to be painted. He also told us about how he just woke up from sleep, trying to recover from reconstructive face surgery and started drawing what he looked like and how he felt in that moment. I think that the ways he does his artwork is a form of art that is very raw and real. His stories about spontaneously drawing and painting was almost innocent, in a way. It reminded me of the spontaneous and innocent way that a child draws when he or she is bored. Often, this can often engage an area of the brain and create masterpieces.

In conclusion, Nicholas Carbonaro’s artwork brought me back to a simpler time, when art was accessible and simple for my peers and I. I am glad I was reminded of the comedic elements of art and the idea that life does not always have to be so serious. Especially in college when everyone has so much to do, it is comforting to be reminded of this fact.