Wendy Cohen
Australia
Wendy Cohen is a Sydney-based artist whose practice focuses on the relationship of the colours, shapes, lines, and forms with the relationship of urban and natural environments communicated in an abstracted language. By integrating shapes into a cohesive body of colours and forms in conjunction with collage elements, flowing ideas are manifested that bring attention to the surface and materiality of the contents of each painting. The primary focus of Wendy's practice is to transform the static space of each work with variations of colour highlighting the colour palette's chemistry and resonance. Wendy interprets colour with the sounds of the soul as being the transcendental essence of music to give her paintings a vibrant expression that captures the beauty of creation as well as her cultural influences. In her textured mixed media paintings, she collages elements of linen, cardboard, paper, and recycled materials that are brought back to life with a sense of playfulness and spontaneity. Observation, intuition, and imagination are key to her process as she responds to the magnificence of the interconnection of the world. But most importantly, she welcomes the viewer to participate in the mystery and wonderment of her work that she creatively translates onto the canvas with a syncopated musical rhythm.
Emerald Leaves
1. What’s your background?
I am South African born living in Sydney, Australia
2. What does your work aim to say?
My work aims to convey a sense of playfulness, vibrancy, mystery, and spontaneity. The contents bring attention to the abstracted genre of realistic components that highlights the fact that everything in creation is made up of body shapes and forms. I am also conscious of environmental issues and for this reason, I recycle elements to enhance the surface quality of my works in order to showcase the useability of objects in a creative form. My work also has the ebb and flow of a musical rhythm to give the contents a sense of movement
3. How does your work comment on current social or political issues?
My work comments on the interconnection of the diversity of creation and that all of life is important and vital.
4. Who are your biggest influences?
Helen Frankenthaler and Amy Silman, abstract expressionism and geometric abstraction
5. How has your art evolved over the years?
My art has evolved over the years since I attained a BFA and a MFA in that I have a better understanding of my process and confidence in my compositional ability as not be creating so many elements and colours in my work that has led to an abstract expressionistic style that incorporate geometric abstraction in a contemporary sense
6. What does art mean to you?
I have a great passion and love for the arts. It helps me to be present that gives me a sense of exhilaration and calmness.
7. What’s the most valuable piece of art to you?
The Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci
8. What’s next for you in the future?
I hope I can have a solo exhibition and continue to exhibit in shows on a global scale
Colours and Forms Hanging on a Mass of Liness
