Cecily McCarthy de Man is 14 years old, autistic and lives with cerebral palsy. Her work is concerned with identity and the body, with what it means to inhabit a self the world does not always make room for. Cecily is often heard saying that art is everything to her. Her inclusion in OH OH OH is not a footnote. It is close to the reason Ochre House exists.
I’ve been creating art, and I also dance, ever since I could hold a crayon, and walk, perhaps even before.
I’ve never been able to stop!
When I paint, all my feelings come out onto the canvas, when I sculpt they form into the clay, and everything around me goes quiet.
I don’t paint without meaning. I have structure, something to build up to; I paint to evolve and be the person I am and want to be.
I challenge myself to be dangerous and bold with the texture of the paint, the clay, oil pastel, pencil or the crayon (yes, I still use them) that I work with.
When I paint, such joy comes into my heart; I feel like I will never want to stop creating.
Cecily McCarthy de Man
Instagram : @cosywonders
Create. Celebrate. Explore.
15 Cambridge Grove, Hove BN3 3ED
May 2/3/4 · 16/17 · 23/24/25
info@ochrehouse.org
aoh.org.uk/house/may2026/oh-oh-oh-ochre-house/