DOMINICK COCOZZA b. 2001, Mazatenango, Guatemala; lives in Arlington, VA
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
As a high school senior graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, my life was quickly turned upside down by constant disappointment. It was extremely tough accepting the reality that I would miss many milestones, such as prom, in-person graduation, senior art exhibition, and final swim team competition season. Throughout the pandemic, I kept myself busy through my drive and passion for painting and drawing. As both a minority leader and emerging practicing artist, I use my strong fine arts proficiency to uplift, inspire, and engage with my local and larger global community. My large charcoal self-portrait reflects the sense of longing that I felt at a pumpkin patch amid the pandemic in October. It represents my determination to not allow a pandemic from disrupting fall festivities that mean so much to me. With my safety mask on and pumpkin in hand, I stare into the eyes of the viewer asking an important question: What can you do to celebrate safely during these incredibly difficult times? My work explores finding normality in the abnormal and centers around engaging my community to participate in safe recreational activities.
BIOGRAPHY
Dominick Cocozza is a 19-year-old Guatemalan American fine artist based in Arlington, VA. Cocozza currently studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, working toward a BFA in painting. His ambition for artistic excellence has led him to numerous successes. To name a few, Cocozza has exhibited his paintings in the US Capitol Building and the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. He has also been featured in articles published by CNN and BBC News. He was most recently a 2020 recipient of the Arlington Magazine Extraordinary Teen Award. This honor caught the attention of multimedia news agency Voice of America, which led to an exciting video production spotlighting Cocozza’s story and artwork. Cocozza is the owner of Dcocozza Studios, a fine arts company where he accepts commissioned work. He uses a variety of art mediums and his artistic style is primarily realistic. He is a leader in the young adult art field and uses his global Instagram platform (with over 9,000 engaged followers) to share his artwork, knowledge, and experience with his peers.
41