Charles Compo

Charles Compo is an internationally recognized composer, multi-instrumentalist, and painter whose work captures the emotional and psychological intricacies of contemporary life. His art, characterized by surreal and abstract imagery, invites viewers to confront the complexities of modern existence, navigating themes of uncertainty and personal introspection. Compo’s distinctive approach blends visual and thematic elements that resonate on a profound level, offering a narrative that transcends traditional artistic boundaries.

Compo's formative years in the vibrant East Village art scene of the 1980s, where he was immersed in the creative energy of the Rivington School artists and the avant-garde jazz scene with figures like William Hooker, were pivotal to shaping his multidisciplinary approach. During this time, he gained invaluable experience working as an assistant to prominent artists, including Andy Warhol, and collaborating with visionary filmmaker and artist Harry Smith. Compo contributed musical compositions to Smith’s animated works, and through Smith’s introduction to Moses Ashe at Folkways Records, these compositions were later published by Smithsonian Folkways. His deep integration into this influential art community, paired with his rich musical background, infuses a rhythmic and narrative complexity into his visual practice. Though music has been a lifelong passion, Compo made a significant shift to focus on painting at age 60, developing a distinctive and compelling presence in contemporary art.