The revival of figurative painting in contemporary art can be credited in no small part to the exuberant, confrontational work of Nicole Eisenman. The artist has also broken new ground in large-scale public sculpture. Across mediums, Eisenman’s oeuvre collapses the distinctions between the political, the poetic, and the absurd.
What keeps you up at night?
Nothing, I take Trazodone.
What do you want to see more of in your industry?
I’d like to see more people in the art world be braver with their politics.
Where do you feel most at home?
On my sofa. I have a good sofa. It’s a George Smith that I recovered in striped fabric from Schumacher Addison. The sofa came from my ex-girlfriend’s childhood friend’s parents, the Merkers, who live on the Upper West Side. They got it for free from a TV show set. Then I got it for free. They just wanted it out of their apartment. It’s got a perfect sag.
When’s the last time you laughed hysterically?
Recently over drinks at Manuela with Ryan McNamara, Hardy Hill, and Ambera Wellmann. Certain groups of friends have their own humor. Espresso martinis help, too. The chemistry of friend groups doesn’t really get talked about as much as romantic chemistry.
Who do you call the most?
My exes! And there’s a lot of voice memoing, which reminds me of talking to someone on a walkie-talkie.
What would you like the headline of your obituary to be?
“SHE’S GONE!” In 96-point type.
Name an influence of yours that might surprise people.
Schiaparelli and Matières Fécales.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working in your field?
I’d be a scenic painter for the Metropolitan Opera.
To read more from the 2026 CULT100 honorees, see the full list here.
in your life?
