Nick Cerrato and Robert Maniscalco Collaborate on 'Birthday' Painting

Artist Nick Cerrato, who has cerebral palsy and paints with his left foot, collaborated with Robert Maniscalco on a large acrylic painting titled 'Birthday' (72 x 60 inches). Cerrato conceived the idea years ago but lacked the ability to render certain realistic elements, leading him to approach Maniscalco, whose imaginary realism he admired. The painting depicts a narrative of Cerrato's own 'birthday' creation story: an adult Nick trapped inside a burning Earth, a road to heaven's gates, a gray baby choking on its umbilical cord, and castle towers with damsels. Maniscalco describes the process as a challenge to set aside his ego and follow Cerrato's direction, using loose brushwork to mimic Cerrato's impulsive style. Cerrato's mother Patti assisted with communication. The work is planned for upcoming exhibitions at Public Works and elsewhere, though Cerrato is reluctant to sell it. A video documenting the process is available on YouTube.