Charismata: The Art of Cedric Michael Cox at Xavier University Gallery

Name: Charismata: The Art of Cedric Michael Cox at Xavier University Gallery
Start: 2025-10-10T17:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-10-10T20:00:00-04:00
Location: Xavier University Art Gallery

Schedule

Fri Oct 10 2025 at 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Xavier University Art Gallery | Cincinnati, OH

You're invited!
FRIDAY Oct. 10th 5 to 8 pm
Opening Reception of CHARISMATA
I am thrilled to announce that over 20 New large-scale paintings will be featured at my solo exhibition, Charismata, at
Xavier University Art Gallery Cohen Center
1658 Musketeer Drive, 45207
Please spread the word & RSVP to this FREE event
20 New Paintings and Signature Pieces from the Artist’s Career!
Cincinnati, OH—Charismata: The Art of Cedric Michael Cox is a solo exhibition of new work by regionally and nationally recognized artist Cedric Michael Cox at Xavier University. Charismata, which is a Latin term for spiritual gift or gift of grace, is a colorful array of paintings that Cox began in January of 2025, fresh from his highly successful exhibitions at Eisele Gallery and Studio Kroner in 2024. The core body of works in Charismata features over 20 new large-scale paintings that boldly capture his diverse subjects, catapulted in his unique blend of surrealism and representational abstraction. His whimsical rhythmic forms that create prisms of passion are now fully expressed in various genres.
From narrative still life paintings of fantastical botanicals with aspiring messages to mid-century cubist-inspired compositional clusters of musical instruments, Cox invites us into his studio with every stroke. The lyrical landscapes and cityscapes from his Vivid Village and Combined Community series, along with his ever-evolving interpretation of the resilient human spirit through abstraction, offer the viewer something new with every piece. The exhibition also features figurative pieces that were inspired by his residency at Frederick Douglass Academy. These paintings pay tribute to the people who welcomed him with open arms and supported him early in his career, who stood as monuments in the legacy of Cincinnati art history.
"My paintings are an inner reflection of the people, places, and objects that surround my everyday life. I do this by creating rhythmic, anatomically inspired renderings that tell my story through abstraction. With my art, I intend for the personal to become universal among all groups of people, as we celebrate individual freedom, find our likenesses, and harmonize our differences."
Charismata will also showcase career highlights with paintings and drawings from his Ascending Horizons exhibition at the Weston Art Gallery in 2010, and Color and Rhythm exhibition at the Taft Museum of Art in 2017.
During the course of Charismata at Xavier University, Cox will also participate with art faculty in student critiques, a visiting artist panel, and a gallery talk on Wednesday, October 22.
Above (left to right): Composer at the Table with Guitars and Tea, 2025, 60 x 40 inches, acrylic on canvas; Cedric Michael Cox – original artist photo by Jay Yocis; Vivid Village No. 6, 2025, 60 x 40 inches, acrylic on canvas
ARTIST BIO
Cedric Michael Cox is best known for his paintings and drawings that merge surrealism and representational abstraction. Working under several influences, including architecture and art history, Cox’s work ranges from cubist-inspired geometric compositions to cityscapes, landscapes, and curvilinear floral-like forms, all dancing within surrealistic environments. His work is featured in corporate collections and numerous public murals throughout the Cincinnati region. Past exhibitions include notable venues such as the Contemporary Arts Center of Cincinnati, the Weston Art Gallery in the Aronoff Center for the Arts, the Columbus Art Museum, the Dayton Art Institute, and the Taft Museum of Art. Recent highlights include a 20-year retrospective at Caza Sikes Gallery, contributions to the Children’s Hospital, Dayton Metro Library, and a large-scale mural for the Cincinnati Zoo’s new elephant house. Cox’s art has been prominently featured in books, magazines, and on television and is collected regionally and nationally.
INFORMATION
Opening Night Reception: Friday, October 10, 5–8 p.m.
Gallery Talk with the Artist: Wednesday, October 22, 6:30–8 p.m.

Xavier University Art Gallery
A.B. Cohen Center, 161 A&B
1658 Musketeer Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45207
https://www.xavier.edu/art-department/art-gallery
Contact: Caressa Layne Miles, Xavier University Art Gallery Director
Dept. of Art Office
[email protected]
513.745.3811
@xavierartgallery
Gallery Hours:
Wednesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed on University holidays.
The Xavier University Art Galleries function as an educational resource, hosting exhibitions of artwork by professional visual artists, the Department of Art faculty, and students in special exhibitions and programs deemed to be of interest to the public.