Faculty of Design
Illustration
Meet the Artist
James
Nicolosi-Cao
Illustration
“Ritual is a multi-media series of works depicting various forms of body modification to demonstrate how physical changes can have a sacred, transformative, spiritual effect that exceeds the body’s limitations. Body modification is synthesized with and compared to various religious practices and Catholic art to demonstrate how such physical alterations express internal aspects of the self on the form. Further, the idea of ritualistic devotion shows how one can commit oneself to a secular practice in a manner akin to religious belief.”
James Rose is an analog and digital artist with a passion for the macabre, queer, cute, and kitsch. His work draws from his experiences, the world around them, the art and creation of others, and more. They enjoy working with images from popular culture, tattooing, music, and religion. In taking inspiration from the natural world to fiction and horror, he hopes to convey beauty within the grotesque and aberrations in the beautiful. In pursuing art as a passion and a career, his craft is ever-evolving. James’ background lies in drawing and painting, with a fondness for works in charcoal and oil. Their practice has expanded throughout their education from digital media to printmaking and ceramics, and each has taught him new ways to look at his work and techniques to incorporate into his practice. Upon graduating, he wishes to broaden his scope further to tattooing.
analog illustration digital illustration mixed media queer art editorial illustration spot illustration comics character design painting printmaking
2025, GradEx 110
OCAD University
