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Alexa Cabrera

Artists series: Nicolle Cure

Where can I see her art?

Instagram: @nicollecure_art

West Elm in Aventura, Florida.

 

Nicolle Cure is an abstract painter from Barranquilla, Colombia who currently lives and works in Miami, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Advertising. She was diagnosed with Meniere's Syndrome in 2017. She is a hearing health advocate filled with the courage to keep going and the openness to express her vulnerability. Her artwork has evolved along her healing journey.



Her Story


"I was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, in a home where creativity was always in the air. My father is both an architect and a painter, while my mother is a textile and fashion designer, so art and design have been a part of me for as long as I can remember."


"I moved to the United States for college with dreams of working for Pixar, majoring in Computer Arts Animation. However, it wasn’t long before I realized my passion extended beyond animation. I fell in love with advertising and storytelling in a different way. That’s when I decided to pivot toward marketing and advertising, where I could craft stories that connect with people while collaborating with incredible brands across various sectors."


"My family always supported my artistic dreams but encouraged me to keep my options open. My father often said, 'Art will always be a part of you, so why not do both?'. This advice has stayed with me throughout my journey as a marketing professional and fine artist."


Nicolle’s artistic life underwent a significant transformation due to her sudden hearing loss in 2017. “One morning, I woke up and found myself deaf in my right ear,” she shares, describing her sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). She highlights the importance of using accurate medical terminology when discussing her condition, especially for those who might need support or understanding, whether they are experiencing these conditions themselves or have loved ones going through them. “Sudden hearing loss changed my life,” she admits. “At the time, I had to step back from my career in advertising. I even had to relearn how to walk due to severe vertigo and balance issues. During those first months, I relied on others for help, and some days I couldn’t even get out of bed. I also developed hyperacusis — a condition where everyday sounds like a cellphone ringing, children’s voices, a car on the street, or even a hairdryer, caused me extreme pain. I was constantly dizzy and plagued by vertigo.”


“People often ask what caused it,” Nicolle reflects. “But the night before was just like any other — I went to an art exhibit and felt perfectly fine. The doctors still don’t know the exact trigger, and their focus has always been on accurate diagnosis and treatment.” Nicolle was diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), and Secondary Endolymphatic Hydrops. She urges anyone experiencing sudden deafness (SSHL) to seek medical help immediately, as the first 72 hours are crucial.


Throughout her journey, Nicolle maintained a mindset of, “What’s the next step? What can I do to feel better and help others?” She refused to accept living the rest of her life in that condition. Instead, she adapted to her new reality and worked through a long recovery process.


Before her hearing loss, Nicolle’s art was primarily surrealist. Afterward, she began painting “anchored on the floor to help with my balance, using slower movements and embracing abstraction with larger brushstrokes and less detail. I fell in love with abstract painting.”


She also started writing a blog on her website, hoping to connect with others who have similar experiences. She felt a strong urge to express her journey through her art.


Nicolle describes herself as a Type-A person. She manages a full-time job in marketing and, when she gets home, trades her suit for overalls in the studio. “Balancing both parts of my life fulfills me, but it’s not without challenges. I’m a perfectionist and often push myself too hard. When I prepare for an exhibit, I want it to be the best it can be. But this health experience taught me that I can’t do everything at once. It showed me that without my health, nothing else is possible. It was a hard lesson, but one I needed.”


Her Work


Nicolle uses different colors in each of her series, connecting them to “the stages of her healing.”


“The Colors of Sound was my first series after my hearing loss. The paintings are vibrant and full of color. Many people have asked why I didn’t use more black, assuming I was in a dark place emotionally. But I didn’t want to dwell on the question of ‘Why did this happen to me?’. Instead, I focused on understanding sound and its effects on a scientific level, thanks to my treatment at the University of Miami Health System. During audiology tests, I learned how sound waves vary in frequency and intensity, and I started visualizing them in different colors. While the audiology equipment doesn’t literally display colors, I imagined each sound as a different hue. I also remember seeing my MRI scans — while they are usually black and white, I envisioned the different parts of my brain lighting up in colors as I processed sound and tried to adapt to my new reality. I began incorporating these ideas into my artwork, transforming my experience into something vibrant and expressive.”


Tourmaline
The Encounter

“The Supernova Collection was inspired by a poem about supernovas — stars so massive that, when they die, they go out with a spectacular explosion, leaving behind a burst of light and color in their wake. I connected with that idea deeply because, in a way, it felt like what happened to my ear. The cells in my ear suddenly ‘turned off’ or died, but instead of seeing it as an end, I wanted to view it like a supernova — something that could leave behind something beautiful, even in its destruction. I used earth tones and browns to represent the planets, like Mars, but if you look closely, you’ll see small curves in each painting that echo the mechanism of the inner ear in an abstract form. It was my way of finding a silver lining, of saying that even in darkness, there’s a possibility for light and color to emerge.”


Atlas
Magnetic Fields

“The name of my Bubblegum and Midnight Blues series came from my late-night painting sessions on weekends, where I would immerse myself in the soothing melodies of blues music. There’s something about the blues — its rhythm and soul — that calms the mind and helps me find a creative flow. The music allowed my thoughts to drift freely, bringing a sense of peace that found its way into my brushstrokes and onto the canvas.”


Impetus

“The Calm Collection is more intentional, featuring repetitive lines, superimposed layers of soft washes, and a free flow of inspiration. These techniques help me enter a meditative state, allowing me to let go and become more calm and relaxed. I want the viewer and art collector to experience the same sense of tranquility and serenity through these works. Some paintings in the collection connect with each other, and there are also pairs that resonate together, enhancing the overall feeling of peace.”


Hazel Eyes & Guava Skies 1 & 2

Closing Remarks


“Hearing loss is an integral part of my life and, consequently, my art. While some might fear vulnerability or worry about their artistic profile being labeled, I embrace the reality of my condition with courage and honesty. Much like Frida Kahlo, who painted through immense physical pain and personal struggles, and Georgia O’Keeffe, who channeled her deep connection to the natural world despite her own challenges, I find strength and inspiration in my journey."


"Living with constant ringing, migraines, and ear pressure is exhausting — some days are bearable, others are incredibly tough. Yet, I seize the good days and push forward regardless of the challenges."


"Through my art, I aspire to offer healing and empowerment to others. I hope my creations resonate deeply, inspiring anyone who encounters them to find strength and beauty even in their own struggles.”


Nicolle’s journey is a testament to perseverance and resilience.



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