Sal Cosenza

Hi there, Sal here!

Tireless in my pursuit of good storytelling, I'm a painter, design educator, author, illustrator, and former architectural designer, who is best known for paintings that depict anthropomorphic characterizations of famous buildings and other iconography. My work often focuses on urban and New York-related subjects. Largely Surrealist, objective, and contemporary, these pieces are characterized by their intricate detailing and symbolism. Common themes explored in my work include love, mood, satire, domestic life, architecture, global events, utopian ideals, dystopian imagery, film noir, and spirituality. I am 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 my work as "aware of the problems our world faces," and "a way to bring positivity into the world."

My upcoming novel, MANHATTAN: THE RISING WAR, will interest your audience because it gives anthropomorphic personalities to iconic New York monuments that many are sure to know. Anyone impacted by the Big Apple's 400th Anniversary, art, architecture, fantasy, or historical events like 9/11 will relish this otherworldly tale about a living, breathing skyline that's forced to contend with a raging evil threatening its magical existence. It's a story that celebrates Manhattan's famous architectural icons while paying tribute to its remarkable human diversity. This book is also a companion piece to my yearslong painting series that explores similar themes. At a minimum, I'd love to share that backstory as well as my background with your audience, but given my various creative endeavors, who knows where our conversations can lead?

Thank you for considering me!