THE JOURNEY SO FAR...
Sal Cosenza (b. 1988) is an artist, design professor, and author, whose paintings depict anthropomorphic characterizations of famous buildings and other iconography. He co-hosts the Abstract Essay podcast with Daniel Lucas, and is the author of the genre-blending novel, Manhattan: The Rising War.
As the creator of over 180 paintings, Sal’s work often focuses on urban and New York-related subjects. His paintings are largely Surrealist, objective, and characterized by their intricate detailing and symbolism. Common themes explored in his work include love, satire, domestic life, architecture, global events, utopian ideals, dystopian imagery, film noir, and spirituality.
He is the recipient of numerous art and design awards, including the 2015 First Prize in Architecture from the City College of New York's 8th Annual Graduate Student Symposium, and the 2006 VASA (Visual Arts Scholastic Award) from the West Valley Art Museum. Arcadia News describes his work as "aware of the problems our world faces," and "a way to bring positivity into the world." [1]
CAREER
After September 11th, 2001, Cosenza - then fourteen years old - became heavily influenced by Manhattan's iconography, and its buildings have been prevalent in his paintings ever since. From 2002 to 2022, Cosenza created several notable and award-winning series, including the Manhattan (2002-2020) and Domestic New York (2006-2019) collections, as well as House Trilogy (2021), Resilient Love (2021), Windows To The Soul (2022), and The Stranger (2008-2021) - all of which exhibit anthropomorphic tendencies. Other notable pieces include New York On My Mind (2004), The Chrysler Crucifixion (2005), Derailing Liberty (2017), Out Of The Darkness, Into The Light (2018), Emerald City 2.0 (2022), Neon Jazz & Cocktails (2022), Monuscape (2023) and its sequels, Monuscape Moon (2023) and Monuscape Mystique (2023). In 2024, Sal released his latest self-portrait series titled Neon Blooze, which conveys deeply personal experiences about lost love, unpredictability, and the role of art in his life.
Cosenza has also created illustrations and written short stories for various publications, including celebrity make-up artist Carmindy's book, Bloom: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up Gorgeous, as well as Commercial Observer, a New York-based real-estate magazine.
Sal began painting professionally in 2002, and his work has been carried at Scottsdale's Art One Gallery, owned by Kraig Foote, since 2005. His paintings have also been showcased at West Valley Art Museum (AZ), Teatro LATEA (NYC), Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and LaGuardia Community College (NYC), as well as various fine arts boutiques, furniture stores, restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, churches, and college campuses throughout Arizona and New York. In addition to numerous private collections across the United States, his work has hung in the Scottsdale Mayor's Office and the Autism Academy for Education and Development.
In 2011, Cosenza formed SAL COSENZA ART + DESIGN, which brands all paintings and design work coming out of his independent studio. He later established UNUM STUDIO LLC. in 2019, as a legal entity and publishing imprint for all solo projects.
From 2015 to 2019, he served as an Architectural Designer of large-scale residential and commercial buildings and interiors at Margulies Hoelzli Architecture, PLLC., in New York.
Since 2019, he has taught Interior Design History courses (INT 111, 310, 311, and 494) and co-taught Interior Design Studio courses (INT 261, 262, 465, and 522) at Arizona State University's Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. During his time at ASU, Cosenza served as a Faculty Associate before his promotion in 2024 to Assistant Teaching Professor.
EARLY LIFE & EDUCATION
Sal Cosenza was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, to parents Belle Cosenza and Sal Cosenza, Sr. The youngest of four children, he credits the support of his family as well as his Coronado High School art teacher, Janet Blum, in his decision to embrace the arts at a young age, and received early training from both ASU's Children's Art Workshops and AP painting classes at Scottsdale Community College. Sal’s painting instructors from this early period include Bernard Young, John Avedisian, and Danielle Jelks. In a 2019 interview with Campus News, Cosenza cited Michelangelo and Georgia O’Keeffe as influences on his own work. [2]
In 2006, he won a full-ride scholarship to attend Arizona State University, where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Design for Architectural Studies, in 2010. During his time at ASU, he learned architectural concepts from instructors like Max Underwood, Milagros Zingoni, Zubin Shroff, Michael Dobry, Ken McCown, Thomas Morton, Mark Ryan, Renada Hejduk, Scott Murff, Nan Ellin, and Will Heywood.
In 2011, Cosenza had a year-long stint as a painting instructor at Scottsdale's Brush Bar, where he learned how to teach painting techniques to large groups of people; often completing new paintings on a nightly basis.
In 2012, Sal moved to Harlem, New York City, where he lived and worked for seven years. It was during this time when he earned a Masters of Architecture from The City College of New York, in 2015. At CCNY, Cosenza produced a variety of individual and collaborative multi-scalar architectural proposals, as he learned from and worked with instructors like Bradley Horn, Marta Gutman, Sean Weiss, Lee Weintraub, Nandini Bagchee, Michael Meredith, Martin Stigsgaard, Brian Healy, and Elisabetta Terragni.
NOTABLE WORKS
In a 2023 interview with CanvasRebel Magazine, Cosenza described his painting process as “a snapshot or some big epic thing – but either way, there’s a composed narrative framework holding it all together. To bring an idea out onto a canvas and then to share it with others is a magical part of the creative journey for me.” [10]
Between 1998 and 2024, Cosenza has created 182 documented original paintings and 2D works, along with hundreds of concept drawings, sketches, digital renderings, architectural models & drawings, prints, and photographs. Domestic New York is his largest series by volume, with 57 installments produced between 2006 and 2019. Of that collection, 55 Domestic New York paintings have been sold between 2006 and 2025, and print sales have reached an estimated 100-150 units. The Manhattan series, meanwhile, remains Sal’s longest spanning and most awarded collection, as well as being the subject of his 2024 novel. And in terms of media exposure, his Monuscape paintings received extensive play on NBC’s 12News AZ affiliate, in both 2023 and 2024.
Manhattan Series (2002-2020)
The Manhattan series consists of five acrylic paintings, with each installment measuring 30" x 40" x 1.5." Each piece was produced in Arizona over the span of eighteen years. Inspired by real-world global events, the series depicts the anthropomorphic buildings of Manhattan under siege by a fictitious organization known as the TERROR Group. Each painting is composed in a Surrealist landscape style with intricate detailing and overt symbolism throughout.
The painting series was the inspiration for Sal’s 2024 novel, Manhattan: The Rising War. Later that year, each piece was analyzed on an episode of Abstract Essay with Daniel Lucas. [13]
The first painting in the series, Manhattan, was completed in 2002, and chronicles the fall of the Twin Towers as the rest of the city mourns the loss of their architectural friends. The piece took several months to complete, and upon release, was featured as the cover image of Scottsdale Community College's Vortex Creative Writing & Art Contest, and awarded a scholarship prize. It has since been featured in The Arizona Republic and Informality 8: Industrious, a student-run publication at the Spitzer School of Architecture and the City College of New York. [3]
Manhattan: The Rising War (painting) followed in 2005, and is much darker and ominous in tone than its predecessor. For this second chapter, Cosenza took note of several real-world events transpiring in the wake of 9/11, including the Iraq war and increased national security in the United States. Taking about a year to complete, the painting is considered a game-changer for Cosenza in terms of technique and approach, since it involved intricate detailing and a large amount of conceptual sketches to meet his vision. Following its release, the painting was exhibited at the West Valley Art Museum, where it won a VASA (Visual Arts Scholastic Award) in 2006. It was voted a "Top Creation" at the 2010 Arcapalooza Design and Arts Festival, and Sal Cosenza was voted "Top Artist" at the same event. It has since been exhibited at Scottsdale's Civic Center Library, Art One Gallery, and Arizona State University, and featured in The Arizona Republic and Informality 8: Industrious. [4]
A third installment, Manhattan: The Wrath of Terror, was released in 2008. Taking over a year to complete, the painting is the most post-apocalyptic installment in the series, as it depicts buildings being forced to flee their island in search of refuge from the TERROR Group. The sky is inspired by the hellish section of Michelangelo's Last Judgement fresco, while the use of "continuous narrative" allows for the painting to tell four stories at once. Upon completion, the painting was exhibited at Arizona State University, where it was voted a "Top Creation" at the 2010 Arcapalooza Design and Arts Festival, alongside its predecessor, Manhattan: The Rising War. It has since been featured in Informality 8: Industrious. [5]
Manhattan: Emancipation followed in 2011. The fourth installment in the series portrays the tide turning back in the buildings' favor, as the TERROR Group is finally weakened against the city's regained morale. Painting sessions took place over the course of three years at Art One Gallery, Sal's studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as at festivals in Glendale, Arizona to help kickstart the city's downtown arts movement. The painting's completion occurred just days after the killing of Osama bin Laden; an ironic coincidence given the theme of the piece. It was featured in a televised segment on 3TV's Good Morning Arizona in 2011.
A fifth and final painting, Manhattan: The Wonder City, was completed in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. Taking seven years to create, the final installment in the series languished through a period of "development hell" before its ultimate completion during the pandemic. Conceptually, it wraps up the story in triumphant fashion for the buildings of Manhattan, and is meant to serve as a celebratory bookend to the original Manhattan painting from eighteen years prior. The graphic design for Sal’s 2024 novel features several visual elements taken directly from this painting.
Domestic New York (2006-2019)
The Domestic New York collection (abbreviated to DNY) consists of 55 acrylic and 2 mixed media paintings. Individual sizes vary, with the largest (2008's DNY: A Soaring Affair) measuring 36" x 48" x 1.5" and the smallest (2012's DNY: Around The World, Part I through VII) measuring 8" x 10" x 1.5." Pieces were produced in both Arizona and New York over the span of thirteen years. Most of the paintings in the collection have been on public view, with a majority exhibited at Art One Gallery, Inc. (AZ). Other viewings of originals, reproductions, and screen projected images from the series occurred at Teatro LATEA (NYC), LaGuardia Community College (NYC), Glendale Glitters (AZ), and FBCScottsdale (AZ).
In 2006, Sal Cosenza kicked off the series with DNY: Empire State Checks Out and DNY: Mrs. Chrysler, You're Trying To Seduce Me. Inspired by the works of artist Madelon Vriesendorp, particularly her pieces created for the book, Delirious New York, these early DNY pieces carry an anthropomorphic whimsy that is constant for much of the series.
By 2010, Cosenza released DNY: The Life Cycle, which is the only triptych in the entire series. Upon completion, it was exhibited at Arizona State University, where it was voted a "Top Creation" at the 2010 Arcapalooza Design and Arts Festival. Also released in 2010, A Domestic New York Christmas contains sentimental elements from Cosenza's youth, including various tree ornaments, the Nativity set, and a Sinatra Christmas album. The piece remains a holiday favorite, and has been reproduced as both prints and cards over the years. Most notably, the painting was featured as a screen projected image during the encore of 2018's Schneider Sings Sinatra! concert at Teatro LATEA. Cosenza followed up the painting with another holiday-themed piece in 2011, DNY: A Chance Of Snow.
In 2012, Cosenza released a mini-series within the series entitled DNY: Around The World, Part I through VII, where main protagonists Chrysler and Empire State Buildings visit Cairo, Paris, Scottsdale, Rome, Las Vegas, Japan, and Antarctica, respectively. That same year, DNY: Caught In The Act was created to help support the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix, an organization focused on helping emerging artists.
From 2015 to 2019, Sal Cosenza produced the final eleven Domestic New York paintings while living in New York City. Each measures 20" x 20" x 1.5," and accompanying poems were also specifically written for them. In an interview with LaGuardia Web Radio's Hugo Fernandez to promote his 2019 exhibition, Domestic New York @ LAGCC, Cosenza likened the unified sizes and themes of the pieces to a musical concept album, pointing to, "the idea of each song in the album being tied together, being influenced or informed by the previous to create a cohesive story. So, you really see that in the first ten, to a point where the very first painting (DNY: A Towering Romance) is actually replicated in a small way in the final painting (DNY: Roses Never Lie). The last one (DNY: The Bed Of Roses) can be viewed as a bonus track. It could relate to the previous ten, but it stands on its own." [6]
The Stranger (2008-2021)
The Stranger (stylized as The STRANGER) consists of five acrylic paintings of various dimensions. The work is attributed to the titular character in the noir-themed series. Topics explored or confronted in the pieces include cancer, racism, greed, and vigilantism, among other socially aware concerns.
Exhibited at Art One Gallery, Inc. (AZ), the series began with 2008's The Stranger Of New York, before continuing in 2020 and 2021 with four sequels.
In 2025, the entire series was featured on an episode of Abstract Essay with Daniel Lucas, where Sal discussed the character as his “dark alter-ego,” and went on to say how he thinks there is “a Stranger in all of us.” [14]
Out Of The Darkness, Into The Light (2018)
One of Sal Cosenza's largest acrylic works, Out Of The Darkness, Into The Light is a pirate-themed painting on unstretched canvas. Completed in New York after nearly two years of production, the piece was eventually shipped to Arizona and exhibited for Art One Gallery's 25th Anniversary in Scottsdale. Exhibition lasted from November 2018 through January 2019, with all proceeds for prints of the piece sold at the gallery going towards the Arizona-based Autism Academy.
The story centers on themes of exploration by featuring symbols of discovery, suggestions of new beginnings, and elements of danger. It spotlights the journey of three young explorers looking for buried treasure in a vast landscape of sea and rock. The large-scale acrylic piece is painted on unstretched canvas with deliberately torn edges, itself evocative of an old pirate map.
Monuscape Trilogy (2023)
Monuscape is a Surrealist fantasy adventure that combines the allure of Arizona's Papago Park with notions of escape and discovery.
Its follow-up, Monuscape Moon, depicts the story of two prisoners who fall in love despite dangerous circumstances. Set against a lunar surface riddled with the craters of asteroids that can still crash down at any moment, their problems are compounded by the fact that this is a place where romance is an illegal and perishable act. In hot pursuit and lacking any type of obvious escape, the embracing lovers now await their fates together.
The third installment, Monuscape Mystique, is set in the year 3087 and depicts a couples retreat that goes horribly wrong, amid a backdrop of mysterious Monuscapes and an ocean teeming with deadly sharks. Taking many months to create, the painting was inspired by the fascinating terrain of Thailand’s island outcroppings and its aqua-tinted seas.
Upon completion, all three paintings made their debut at Art One Gallery, Inc. (AZ). In addition, the first two entries were selected for inclusion on NBC’s televised 12News AZ “ArtPops” segment, along with related TV promo spots. These segments featured songs by the Arizona-based musicians, The Hourglass Cats and Paper Foxes. [8] [9]
In late 2023, the online magazine Bold Journey published a profile piece about Monuscape Mystique, in which Sal shared insight about the painting’s process and concepts. [11]
Smondays With Sal (2021-2023)
Launched in 2021 on Instagram Live, Smondays With Sal was a monthly series hosted by Sal Cosenza, featuring special guest interviews, discussions on wide-ranging creative topics, and trivia about select Arizona landmarks.
The idea for long-form virtual interviews happened during the COVID-19 lockdown, as a way for Cosenza to discuss meaningful and upcoming creative topics in a casual and relaxed format. Guests hailed from a variety of creative backgrounds, including portrait artists, landscape designers, art curators, sculptors, muralists, architects, comic book artists, and social activists based out of Arizona and New York. Notable guests include Eduardo Santamaria, Jordan Zurn, Bob Martin, Joan Waters, Audrey Galat, Lucretia Torva, Nicholas Friedmann, Yolanda Lawrence, N_Mori, and Victor J. Irizarry.
In a 2021 interview with Shoutout Arizona, Cosenza credits his "enjoyment in meeting new people and learning their story" as a catalyst for this series, citing that "the more open-minded you are to things, the better." [7]
Manhattan: The Rising War Novel (2024)
Released worldwide on June 27th, 2024 to coincide with the 400th Anniversary of New York City, Sal’s debut novel is a genre-blend of historical fiction and urban fantasy, with a narrative directly inspired by his Manhattan painting series.
Cosenza began writing the book in 2012 while living in New York City, with edits completed in Arizona by early 2024. The novel has since been released in eBook and Paperback formats. It was published by UNUM STUDIO LLC.
Sal’s short story tie-in, The Quest For Liberty’s Heart, was published several months before the book’s release to introduce readers to several characters and plot elements later explored in the novel itself.
Upon release, Manhattan: The Rising War was hailed by USA Today bestselling author Lauren Smith for being “a lush, sweeping epic tale of the towers that define our landscape.”
A Book Launch was held on July 11th, 2024 at Art One Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event was well attended and raised hundreds of dollars for The Art One Foundation through book sales. Sal promoted the novel with pre-orders, exclusive giveaways, newsletters, news articles, as well as author and podcast interviews. In its August 2024 issue, Arcadia News described the book as "a mix of urban fantasy and historical fiction that draws from New York City’s 400-year-old history.” [12]
Since its release, the novel continues to rank on various Amazon Best Sellers lists, peaking at #150 in the “Military Fantasy” genre. It currently has a favorability rating of 4.8/5 among average reader reviews.
Abstract Essay Podcast (2024-Present)
Created by chef, author, and host Daniel Lucas in 2020, Abstract Essay is a top-rated podcast exploring art, cosmic phenomena, and other enigmatic forces shaping our own existence.
Sal joined on as co-host in late 2024 for the series’ fifth season, unpacking many of his projects, including numerous paintings as well as his book. The show streams on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other outlets.
LIST OF WORKS BY SAL COSENZA (1998-Present)
Below is an incomplete list of paintings and other 2D works by Sal Cosenza. Known medium, dimensions, and year completed are included:
1. Self Portrait | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 1998
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2. Scream Death Scene | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2000
3. Skeleton Charcoal | Mixed Media on Paper | n/a | ca. 2000
4. Abstract Charcoal | Mixed Media on Paper | n/a. | ca. 2000
5. Cobra | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2000
6. Coach House Christmas | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | ca. 2000
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7. New York City | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2001
8. Winter Scene | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2001
9. Future City Watercolor | Watercolor on Paper | n/a | 2001
10. Hummer | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2001
11. Twin Towers Exploding | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | ca. 2001
12. Colorful Twin Towers | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2001
13. Face with Towers | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2001
14. Star Wars Series : Boba Fett (Signed by Jeremy Bulloch) | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2001
15. Star Wars Series : Fish | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2001
16. Star Wars Series : Jawas | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2001
17. Star Wars Series : Jawas | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2001
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18. Star Wars Series : Jango Fett | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2002
19. Scarecrow in Field | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2002
20. Teacher | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | ca. 2002 (Unfinished)
21. PS2 | Watercolor on Paper | n/a | ca. 2002
22. Sheriff Joe | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | ca. 2002
23. New York at Night | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2002
24. Payson House | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2002
25. Overture in C | Acrylic on Canvas | 72in. x 30in. x 1.5in. | 2002
26. Skyscraper Collaboration | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2002
27. Payson Forest | Mixed Media on Paper | n/a | 2002
28. Reigning Champ | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2002
29. Sun Shining On New York | Marker on Paper | n/a | 2002
30. An Unfinished Chrysler Building | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | ca. 2002
31. Bobo and Samson | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2002
32. Blue Man of Manhattan | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | ca. 2002
33. Chrysler Building Drawing | Graphite on Paper | n/a | 2002
34. Chrysler Building - Dusk | Mixed Media on Canvas | 18in. x 24in. x .5in. | 2002
35. Chrysler Going Green | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | ca. 2002
36. Empire State - Lego | Acrylic on Paper | n/a | ca. 2002
37. Skyscraper Collaboration | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2002
38. Manhattan - Production Painting | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2002
39. Manhattan | Acrylic on Canvas | 30in. x 40in. x 1.5in. | 2002
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40. Chrysler Gargoyle | Acrylic on Canvas Board | 10in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2003
41. Lost | Acrylic on Canvas and Canvas Board | n/a | 2003
42. Creatures, Fruit, and Footwear | Mixed Media on Paper | n/a | 2003
43. Polar Bear | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2003
44. Hand of My Interests | Mixed Media on Paper | n/a | 2003
45. Self Portrait - Sleep Homage with Chrysler Elements | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2003
46. Self Portrait - Chrysler Backdrop | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2003
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47. New York On My Mind | Acrylic on Canvas | 30in. x 30in. x 1.5in. | 2004
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48. A Family of Chryslers | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2005
49. Arizona Skyscrapers | Acrylic on Canvas | est. 36in. x 48in. x .5in. | 2005
50. Chrysler Rock Drawing | Graphite on Paper | n/a | 2005
51. Island Series (Blue) | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | ca. 2005
52. Island Series (Magenta) | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | ca. 2005
53. Island Series (Orange) | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | ca. 2005
54. Skyscraper Scene | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2005
55. The Chrysler Crucifixion | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x .5in. | 2005
56. Manhattan : The Rising War | Acrylic on Canvas | 30in. x 40in. x 1.5in. | 2005
57. Vintage NY : Empire State Building, 1931 | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2005
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58. Vintage NY : Chrysler Building, 1930 | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2006
59. Tower of Sal | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2006
60. I've Been Looking For God All My Life | Mixed Media and Teddy Bears on Foam Board | n/a | 2006
61. Study of Cady Mall | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | ca. 2006
62. Domestic New York : Empire State Checks Out | Acrylic on Canvas Board | 10in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2006
63. Domestic New York : Mrs. Chrysler, You're Trying to Seduce Me | Acrylic on Canvas Board | 10in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2006
64. Domestic New York : Pool Time with G.E. Building | Acrylic on Canvas Board | 10in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2006
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65. Domestic New York : Chef Citicorp Dines In | Acrylic on Canvas Board | 10in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2007
66. Domestic New York : St. Patrick's Hears A Sermon | Acrylic on Canvas Board | 10in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2007
67. Domestic New York : Friends At Play | Acrylic on Canvas | 10in. x 20in. x .5in. | 2007
68. Domestic New York : Let's Broaden Our Minds | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1in. | 2007
69. Domestic New York : Care for Some Penne Rigate? | Watercolor and Ink on Canvas | 9in. x 12in. x .5in. | 2007
70. Birthday Gift for Someone Special | Acrylic on Canvas Board | n/a | 2007
71. Father and Child Portrait | Acrylic on Velvet | n/a | 2007
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72. Domestic New York : A Soaring Affair | Acrylic on Canvas | 36in. x 48in. x 1.5in. | 2008
73. Domestic New York : One Night Only with Ol' Blue Eyes | Acrylic on Canvas | 18in. x 18in. x 1.5in. | 2008
74. Domestic New York : Business As Usual | Acrylic on Canvas | 18in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2008
75. Domestic New York : Chrysler Building's Favorite Film | Acrylic on Canvas Board | 10in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2008
76. Domestic New York : Never Play The Odds | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2008
77. Domestic New York : 85 Years of Magic | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2008
78. Domestic New York : Blues in the Night | Acrylic on Canvas | 10in. x 12in. x 1.5in. | 2008
79. Domestic New York : Makin' Whoopee | Acrylic on Canvas | 16in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2008
80. Chrysler Study | Screen Print on Paper | n/a | 2008
81. Chrysler Study - Red | Screen Print on Paper | n/a | 2008
82. New York Screenprint #1 | Screen Print on Paper | n/a | ca. 2008
83. New York Screenprint #2 | Screen Print on Paper | n/a | ca. 2008
84. New York Screenprint #3 | Screen Print on Paper | n/a | ca. 2008
85. A Chrysler Ecstasy | Acrylic on Canvas | 22in. x 28in. x 1in. | 2008
86. The Stranger of New York (The Stranger) | Acrylic on Canvas | 18in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2008
87. Manhattan : The Wrath of Terror | Acrylic on Canvas | 30in. x 40in. x 1.5in. | 2008
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88. Domestic New York : The Coney Island Effect | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2009
89. Domestic New York : Even Buildings Have Jury Duty | Acrylic on Canvas | 18in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2009
90. Domestic New York : Mmmm... Zia Bella's! | Acrylic on Canvas | 18in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2009
91. City at Dusk | Ink on Paper | n/a | 2009
92. Revolver II | Mixed Media on Paper | n/a | ca. 2009
93. The Reach | Mixed Media on Paper | n/a | 2009
94. Input - Output | Mixed Media on Paper | n/a | 2009
95. Lovesick | Marker on Paper | n/a | 2009
96. Many Faces | Marker on Paper | n/a | 2009
97. Mount Sinatra | Marker on Paper | n/a | 2009
98. Portrait of a 50 Year Old American Male | Marker on Paper | n/a | 2009
99. Symptoms | Marker on Paper | n/a | 2009
100. Thoughts of Spring | Marker on Paper | n/a | 2009
101. Introspection | Marker on Paper | n/a | 2009
102. Sal in the Box | Marker on Paper | n/a | 2009
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103. Domestic New York : The Life Cycle (Triptych)
-Planning | Acrylic on Canvas | 16in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2010
-Construction | Acrylic on Canvas | 30in. x 40in. x 1.5in. | 2010
-Dedication | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2010
104. Domestic New York : Meet Me at the Diner. Ten Sharp. | Acrylic on Canvas | 16in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2010
105. Domestic New York : What's a Pretty Building Like You Doin' in a Place Like This? | Acrylic on Canvas | 16in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2010
106. Domestic New York : Bandits and Briefcases | Acrylic on Canvas | 18in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2010
107. Domestic New York : Bullets and Broads | Acrylic on Canvas | 16in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2010
108. A Domestic New York Christmas | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 30in. x 1.5in. | 2010
109. Charcoal Orb | Mixed Media on Paper | n/a | 2010
110. Genny - Cindy Portrait | Graphite on Paper | n/a | 2010
111. The Pugfather | Graphite on Paper | n/a | 2010
112. Southwest Laundry Equipment Sign | Acrylic on Metal Panel | n/a | ca. 2010
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113. Domestic New York : The Main Event | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 30in. x 1.5in. | 2011
114. Domestic New York : All Dressed Up with No Place to Go | Acrylic on Canvas | 14in. x 18in. x 1.5in. | 2011
115. Domestic New York : You, Me, and the Sea | Acrylic on Canvas | 16in. x 40in. x 1.5in. | 2011
116. Domestic New York : Buildings on the Run | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2011
117. Domestic New York : A Chance of Snow | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2011
118. Three Wise Men | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a. | ca. 2011
119. Manhattan : Emancipation | Acrylic on Canvas | 30in. x 40in. x 1.5in. | 2011
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120. Domestic New York : The Empire Hotel | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2012
121. Domestic New York : In VistaVision! | Acrylic on Canvas | 18in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2012
122. Domestic New York : Around The World, Part I | Acrylic on Canvas | 8in. x 10in. x 1.5in. | 2012
123. Domestic New York : Around The World, Part II | Acrylic on Canvas | 8in. x 10in. x 1.5in. | 2012
124. Domestic New York : Around The World, Part III | Acrylic on Canvas | 8in. x 10in. x 1.5in. | 2012
125. Domestic New York : Caught In The Act | Acrylic on Canvas | 14in. x 18in. x 1.5in. | 2012
126. Domestic New York : Around The World, Part IV | Acrylic on Canvas | 8in. x 10in. x 1.5in. | 2012
127. Domestic New York : Around The World, Part V | Acrylic on Canvas | 8in. x 10in. x 1.5in. | 2012
128. Domestic New York : Around The World, Part VI | Acrylic on Canvas | 8in. x 10in. x 1.5in. | 2012
129. Domestic New York : Around The World, Part VII | Acrylic on Canvas | 8in. x 10in. x 1.5in. | 2012
130. Portrait of Aizat Murtaza - Photographer | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2012
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131. Domestic New York : Liberty's Upkeep | Acrylic on Canvas | 30in. x 40in. x 1.5in. | 2013
132. Gadzooks Restaurant Project Painting | Acrylic on Canvas | n/a | 2013
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133. Domestic New York : We're Getting Off Here | Watercolor and Ink on Paper | 19in. x 25in. x .125in. | 2014
134. Like Liberty | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2014
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135. Domestic New York : She Was Bad, She Was Dangerous | Acrylic on Canvas | 12in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2015
136. Domestic New York : For The Record | Acrylic on Canvas | 12in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2015
137. Domestic New York : A Towering Romance | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2015
138. Domestic New York : Take Care of That Thing | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2015
139. Domestic New York : The Song Is Ended | Mixed Media on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2015
140. Domestic New York : The Fregoli Delusion | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2015
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141. Domestic New York : The Humanity of Clowns | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2016
142. Domestic New York : The Cliffhanger | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2016
143. Domestic New York : The Other Side | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2016
144. Domestic New York : Shrink-Wrapped! | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2016
145. Domestic New York : Monday Morning, 8 A.M. | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2016
146. Domestic New York : Roses Never Lie | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2016
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147. The Heart That Shines Upon Us | Acrylic on Canvas | 11in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2017
148. Derailing Liberty | Acrylic on Canvas | 18in. x 18in. x 1.5in. | 2017
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149. Out of the Darkness, Into the Light | Acrylic on Unstretched Canvas | 37in. x 72in. | 2018
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150. Domestic New York : The Bed of Roses | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2019
151. So Long, Peter B. Kaplan | Mixed Media on Bristol Board | n /a | 2019
152. Bee Attitudes Dinner Theater Backdrop | Acrylic on Unstretched Canvas | est. 300 SF | 2019
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153. Manhattan : The Wonder City | Acrylic on Canvas | 30in. x 40in. x 1.5in. | 2020
154. The Grand Old Stadium | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2020
155. What Face Are You Wearing Today? (The Stranger) | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2020
156. Too Much Will Kill You (The Stranger) | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2020
157. Racists Fall Eventually (The Stranger) | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2020
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158. It Wants To Grow! (The Stranger) | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2021
159. 680 Smith Lane | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2021
160. The Giving Tree | Acrylic on Canvas | 11in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2021
161. Towering Husky | Acrylic on Canvas | 8in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2021
162. Heartscapes (Brush Bar Collaboration) | Acrylic on Canvas | 12in. x 12in. x .5in. | 2021
163. Resilient Love - Vol. I | Acrylic on Canvas | 18in. x 24in. x .5in. | 2021
164. Resilient Love - Vol. II | Acrylic on Canvas | 11in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2021
165. Resilient Love - Vol. III | Acrylic on Canvas | 8in. x 24in. x .5in. | 2021
166. House I : Anguish | Acrylic on Canvas | 12in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2021
167. House II : Hope | Acrylic on Canvas | 12in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2021
168. House II : Revival | Acrylic on Canvas | 12in. x 24in. x 1.5in. | 2021
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169. Forevergreens | Acrylic on Canvas | 11in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2022
170. The Journey | Acrylic on Canvas | 11in. x 14in. x .5in. | 2022
171. Roundhouse (Concept Painting) | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2022
172. Emerald City 2.0 | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x .5in. | 2022
173. Neon Jazz & Cocktails | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2022
174. Towering Pongo | Acrylic on Canvas | 16in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2022
175. Windows To The Soul I | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2022
176. Windows To The Soul II | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2022
177. Windows To The Soul III | Acrylic on Canvas | 20in. x 20in. x 1.5in. | 2022
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178. Monuscape | Acrylic on Canvas | 36in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2023
179. Monuscape Moon | Acrylic on Canvas | 36in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2023
180. Monuscape Mystique | Acrylic on Canvas | 36in. x 36in. x 1.5in. | 2023
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181. Neon Blooze 1 | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 48in. x 1.5in. | 2024
182. Neon Blooze 2 | Acrylic on Canvas | 24in. x 48in. x 1.5in. | 2024
RECOGNITION & HONORS
8TH ANNUAL GRADUATE STUDENT SYMPOSIUM
Voted First Prize in Architecture for semester-long Inwood Cave Boathouse Project | Spring 2015
SPITZER HISTORY NOTEBOOK AWARD
Voted First Place for Architectural Sketchbook Competition | Spring 2014
ARCAPALOOZA DESIGN AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Voted "Top Artist" and "Top Creations" for Manhattan: The Rising War, Manhattan: The Wrath of Terror, and Domestic New York: The Life Cycle | Spring 2010
WEST VALLEY ART MUSEUM
VASA (Visual Arts Scholastic Award) Recipient for Manhattan : The Rising War | Summer 2006
VORTEX CREATIVE WRITING & ART CONTEST
Cover Art & Scholarship Honoree for Manhattan | Summer 2002
EXHIBITIONS
Solo Exhibitions
“MANHATTAN: THE RISING WAR” BOOK LAUNCH! - AZ
Book Signing Event & Fundraiser | July 2024
WINFIELDS CAFE/FBCSCOTTSDALE - AZ
Domestic New York Archival Prints | July 2020 - December 2020
LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE - NYC
Domestic New York Paintings, Drawings, & Poetry | June 2019 - August 2019
Group Exhibitions
ART ONE GALLERY, INC. - AZ
Various Paintings & Architectural Drawings | May 2005 – January 2015; November 2018 - Present
“PUP!ART 2.0” SILENT AUCTION - AZ***
Towering Pongo Painting | November 2022 *** Sponsored by The Art One Foundation & Two Pups Wellness Fund
“PUP!ART” SILENT AUCTION - AZ**
Towering Husky Painting | November 2021 ** Sponsored by The Art One Foundation & Two Pups Wellness Fund
WHITE SPACE CHELSEA - NYC*
So Long, Peter B. Kaplan Mixed-Media Drawing | June 2019 * Sponsored by The Square Fair: A Benefit for Artworks, The Naomi Cohain Foundation
TEATRO LATEA - NYC
Ralph Schneider Sings Sinatra! Concert Event | Screen-Projected Domestic New York Images | December 2018
TEATRO LATEA - NYC
Domestic New York Paintings & Poetry | November 2018 – January 2019
FIRST STREET GREEN ART PARK - NYC
The Living Section Pavilion Architectural Models & Drawings | April 2013
EDUCATION
CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK
Masters of Architecture | August 2012 - May 2015
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelors of Science in Design - Architectural Studies | August 2006 - May 2010
REFERENCES
1. Wallace, Anthony (March 1, 2019). "Art One, Sal Cosenza raise funds for Autism Academy". Arcadia News. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
2. Coello, Yesenia (May 22, 2019). "Artist’s works are larger than life". Campus News. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
3. Informality 8: Industrious, 10 October 2016, p. 29.
4. Informality 8: Industrious, 10 October 2016, p. 30.
5. Informality 8: Industrious, 10 October 2016, p. 31.
6. "Hugo's It's On With Sal Cosenza." LaGuardia Web Radio. 30 Jul. 2019, Long Island City, NY.
7. Shoutout Arizona (December 13, 2021). "Meet Sal Cosenza | Artist & Design Educator". Shoutout Arizona. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
8. 12news.com (April 10, 2023). “[NBC] 12 NEWS AZ ARTPOPS, Feat. "MONUSCAPE" by Sal Cosenza & "COMFORT ZONE" by The Hourglass Cats”. 12news.com. Retreived 02 June 2023.
9. 12news.com (May 01, 2023). “ArtPops: Sal Cosenza and Paper Foxes”. 12news.com. Retrieved 02 June 2023.
10. CanvasRebel Magazine (September 04, 2023). "Meet Sal Cosenza | Stories & Insights". CanvasRebel Magazine. Retrieved 08 September 2023.
11. Bold Journey (December 28, 2023). “Meet Sal Cosenza”. Bold Journey. Retrieved 07 January 2024.
12. Gleich, Mallory (August 1, 2024). "Art One Gallery alumni publishes first novel". Arcadia News. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
13. "Abstract Essay in its fifth season with my new Co-host Mr. Sal Cosenza". Abstract Essay. 14 Dec. 2024, British Columbia, CA.
14. "Abstract Essay in its fifth season with Mr. Sal Cosenza talking about his five magnificent paintings". Abstract Essay. 25 Jan. 2025, British Columbia, CA.
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“BIO + CV” Compilation © 2022-25 Unum Studio LLC. Photo by J5MEDIA | John Ariete