Hip to be Square Painting

In Cork, Ireland, the artist known as Ciano has quietly established an extraordinary reputation in the world of art. His story is one of passion, resilience, and rediscovery. From a young age, Ciano was naturally drawn to the realm of art, expressing his creativity through drawing and watercolour painting. He accumulated a collection of local awards during his childhood. However, he didn't pursue his artistic talents further, as life took an unexpected turn, steering his passion toward the nightlife scene and music. In 2011, fate intervened in the form of an economic recession, leading to Ciano's redundancy from his primary job. This event prompted him to reevaluate his life goals, rekindling his artistic spirit. With newfound intrigue, he secured a part-time position working as a gallery sales assistant and framer for a local artist, all while enrolling in local art classes. Among a group predominantly composed of retired ladies, he experimented with a diverse range of styles and techniques. However, along with this artistic pursuit, he struggled to support himself while grappling with mounting bills and mortgage costs. Ciano found himself besieged by relentless threats from banks through letters and phone calls, marking the lowest point in his life. In the face of these challenges, Ciano channelled all his energy into his art, using it purely as an escape from the harsh realities of life. Art became the vehicle through which he transcended his worries and expressed his innermost thoughts and emotions. The act of creating art felt right for him. In 2017, a café in Cork City offered Ciano an art residency, affirming his talent and serving as the main catalyst to spur him to consider further development as an artist. Today, Ciano's art encompasses various mediums, primarily working with acrylics, spray paint, and mixed media collage. His work reflects inspiration drawn from nostalgic experiences, raw moments, and spontaneous ideas, encapsulating a deep fascination with subcultures and celebrating freedom of expression, individuality, and unconventional beauty. Numerous private collectors have embraced his work, and he has sold his artworks to collectors across Ireland, the USA, and Europe. Most recently, he enjoyed a successful exhibition at the Laneway Gallery in Cork City in May 2023. Ciano's journey serves as a testament to perseverance, self-discovery, and the embrace of true passion.