John Neville Cohen
Photographer, Graphic Designer and publisher.
Winterthur, Switzerland"I use pure photography to express ideas, or thoughts, rather than reality to create award winning photographs that make quite a statement!
I trust that my limited edition pictures will intrigue, cause interest and be appreciated as very original art works. My own invented 'Painting with Light' technique involves photographing projected images (that are not often projected on to a screen) rather than computer manipulation.” John N. Cohen
I trust that my limited edition pictures will intrigue, cause interest and be appreciated as very original art works. My own invented 'Painting with Light' technique involves photographing projected images (that are not often projected on to a screen) rather than computer manipulation.” John N. Cohen
Work Experience
Actuality Photodigital
Photographer & Proprietor
Based in The Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham, my studio was known for commercial advertising, graphic design and special effect photography for products, brochures, packaging, publishing and portraits. I specialised in special effects, as well as in creating and designing products that relied on the photographic image as an essential part of the product. Such as Worktop Savers see http://www.jncohen.net/photo2/0-APD.htm#product
1981
- November 2002
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Awards
Additional Information
John Neville Cohen
"Art Galleries refer to me as a photographer, but photographers refer to me as an Artist!" J.N.C
John Neville Cohen is an artistic photographer who creates very beautiful pictures that surprise, intrigue and make quite a statement!
One of the essential differences between the artist and the photographer is that the artist always starts with a blank canvas, whereas the photographer's canvas 'the viewfinder', or screen, is always full!
John was trying to find a different way to gain far more control, because so often he found things in the frame that he didn't want, such as for example telephone wires that totally spoilt a landscape, but also he simply did not want to be restricted to recording reality.
Photography has changed dramatically with the introduction of digital cameras and computers. There are now so many methods for manipulating images, with software such as Photoshop that enables all sorts of changes after the picture has been taken, that were never possible before with film.
All the most sophisticated of camera and darkroom techniques have now been made available by digital software; there are even some new ones such as working with fractals.
Many highly skilled technicians with photographic software exist, just as previously there were experts with expensive complex equipment and specialised processing knowledge, but it seems that the most technically brilliant often lack the artistic eye. John is an extraordinary exception, for he is really an artist who uses photography. Photographers tend to record reality and the best do that really well, but John creates amazing fantasy from reality! He is not only technically very skilful; he is also highly imaginative and very artistic!
There are three reasons why John’s art is so special: -
· Firstly, he invented his own photographic ‘painting with light’ method (a very different and original 'special effect' technique in the early 1960's) without using any computer, darkroom chemicals, or expensive equipment to create his unique top international award winning studies. This enabled him to produce transparencies (mostly on Kodachrome) that amazed other photographers, Kodak and all the experts at the time; this was way before anyone had computers!
· Secondly, his pictures are not simply the well composed flower, fruit, landscape, nude or portrait studies. His pictures are surprisingly imaginative and once seen, his beautiful pictures impress and stay with one. They are not only unique, but both inspiring and intriguing and they have stood the test of time, since many of his most popular pictures were created over 50 years ago.
· Thirdly, he certainly has his own style that everyone can understand, but no one else creates art that is anything like his!
The first time ‘The London Salon Trophy’, a much-coveted International award (in those days) for artistic photography had ever been awarded for a colour photograph was in 1967. It was presented to John Neville Cohen for his creation 'Spirit of Spring’; John was the youngest salon member ever to have received it. This was also the first time a transparency and a negative appeared on the same film emulsion. Although technically extraordinary, it is more importantly a very fine work of art!
It was created by John’s discovery, that it was possible to simply photograph projected images that were not always projected on to a screen! His discovered technique sometimes involved; projecting his image through a crystal, through coloured cellophane, or reflecting the projected image off various reflective surfaces, the image projected could be a negative (colour, or black and white) and he even used three, or four projectors (with careful masking) all together at times. The chosen screen often became the subject of the picture; John has photographed projected images on to a feather, a flower, a shell, a butterfly wing, and even on to the edges of the pages of a book!
He built up a collection of around 75 studies that led to over 20 One-Man Exhibitions of his photographs (some were sponsored by Kodak) in New York, London, The Edinburgh Festival, Photo Expo and many other UK & USA Cities.
"..regarded as one of Britain's most original photographers" according to ‘The Times' and "A woman's face was exquisitely metamorphosed with the cup of a yellow tulip - a Femme - Fleur Picasso might have perpetrated had he taken to photography” published in ‘Arts Revue’. There were many other newspaper and photographic magazine articles published, because his pictures are not only technically brilliant, but fascinating works of art that even attracted the attention of such famous names as Cecil Beaton C.B.E., Sir William Russell Flint R.A., Sir George F. Pollock Bt., M.A., and Lady Clementine Spencer Churchill amongst many others.
Even now, his technique is not so easily replicated by software. For example his study ‘Sea Nymph’s Mirror’ shows a woman's face apparently reflected in a shell, but her face follows the contours of the shell, rather than just being a layer above the shells image and to replicate this with software would still be very difficult to achieve.
With so much success in the 1960’s one might well wonder why John is not by now far better known. There is a reason, John was involved in the family business, running an independent chain of specialist cinemas; he had become a director and was responsible for the ‘front of house’ publicity and he really enjoyed the business he was in. His photography in those days, even with all the success he had, was still simply his hobby!
Later with family commitments and so many more business demands, his photography was put aside. Although when the family business was sold, because of the impact of video and large rent increases, he set up and ran a commercial photographic and design studio. John also gave a number of lectures to various photographic societies, in the early days, explaining exactly how he achieved his results. John has also made this information freely available on his website in his article titled 'The Magic Lantern'. His lectures were in great demand and he always had a good reception. Not only were most attending very enthusiastic, yet even years later, hardly anyone has produced anything as interesting as John's studies.
John has openly explained that he often starts with an idea and then experiments with various images, but sometimes something unforeseen happened, that sends him down a totally fresh route to create a very different picture than the one he originally planned, often it has been these ‘inspired accidents’ that have since turned out to be his very best works.
It is only since John retired that he has started promoting his own art pictures as high quality limited edition prints and in a relatively short period of time, he has acquired quite a following on LinkedIn, Facebook, Flickr and in various other art sites on the Internet.
Recently a young art critic wrote "John N. Cohen's artwork incorporates several genres--ready-made objects, digital photography and Impressionist style of light painting - to create a striking and surreal effect that has a strong impact upon the viewer” Claudia Moscovici.
"Indeed, since the photographic image is made by the action of light, truth to light is truth to the medium of photography! All John Cohen's photographs are made, simply and solely, by the use of light. His magic is the magic of the luminous; his poetry is that of the chiaroscuro. The attractions of his work is all the greater for the purity of the photographic technique, and its appeal all the more universal for being couched in an imagery common to all men and intelligible to all”.
Sir George F. Pollock Bt., M.A., F.R.P.S., F.R.S.A.
John is now over 70 and is still currently creating pictures (one of the latest is titled 'Roller'). His pictures certainly cause interest, adding a bright new dimension to any wall. So sophisticated, original and contemporary, always a talking point, they intrigue, surprise, are beautiful and appeal to all age groups.
Limited to editions of only 8, these pictures have great investment potential too! Not yet one of the big names, but now is the best time for astute buyers to buy, considering just how very special John's photography is.
FOR MUCH MORE ABOUT JOHN: -
John N. Cohen’s web
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net/index.htm
Reviews and Exhibitions
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net/Reviews.htm
Sir George Pollock Introduction
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net/Introduction.htm
YouTube John talks about 'Painting with Light'
http://www.youtube.com/user/jncohen40
Facebook Fan Page
http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Painting-With-Light/208903157734
Fine Art America
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-neville-cohen.html
Art Review
http://www.artreview.com/profile/JohnNevilleCohen
Rhizome at the New Museum New York
http://rhizome.org/profile.php?1075241
LinkedIn
http://es.linkedin.com/in/johnncohen
Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_n_cohen/sets/72157623122863068/
Twitter
http://twitter.com/JohnNCohen
John Cohen’s websites:
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net
http://www.jncohen.net
http://www.jncohen.com
John Neville Cohen’s contact details
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net/Contact.htm
Over 20 One-Man Exhibitions; 2 held in New York, 4 in London, The Edinburgh Festival, many other UK and USA Cities
Favourable reviews and comments have been received from, amongst others: -
Cecil Beaton C.B.E., Sir William Russell Flint R.A., Lady Clementine Spencer-Churchill.
"regarded as one of Britain's most original photographers." The Times.
"A woman's face was exquisitely metamorphosed with the cup of a yellow tulip - a Femme - Fleur Picasso might have perpetrated had he taken to photography."
Arts Revue.
John Neville Cohen's large limited edition prints add a bright new dimension to any wall. So sophisticated, original and contemporary, always a talking point, they intrigue, yet remain intelligible to all.
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net
"Art Galleries refer to me as a photographer, but photographers refer to me as an Artist!" J.N.C
John Neville Cohen is an artistic photographer who creates very beautiful pictures that surprise, intrigue and make quite a statement!
One of the essential differences between the artist and the photographer is that the artist always starts with a blank canvas, whereas the photographer's canvas 'the viewfinder', or screen, is always full!
John was trying to find a different way to gain far more control, because so often he found things in the frame that he didn't want, such as for example telephone wires that totally spoilt a landscape, but also he simply did not want to be restricted to recording reality.
Photography has changed dramatically with the introduction of digital cameras and computers. There are now so many methods for manipulating images, with software such as Photoshop that enables all sorts of changes after the picture has been taken, that were never possible before with film.
All the most sophisticated of camera and darkroom techniques have now been made available by digital software; there are even some new ones such as working with fractals.
Many highly skilled technicians with photographic software exist, just as previously there were experts with expensive complex equipment and specialised processing knowledge, but it seems that the most technically brilliant often lack the artistic eye. John is an extraordinary exception, for he is really an artist who uses photography. Photographers tend to record reality and the best do that really well, but John creates amazing fantasy from reality! He is not only technically very skilful; he is also highly imaginative and very artistic!
There are three reasons why John’s art is so special: -
· Firstly, he invented his own photographic ‘painting with light’ method (a very different and original 'special effect' technique in the early 1960's) without using any computer, darkroom chemicals, or expensive equipment to create his unique top international award winning studies. This enabled him to produce transparencies (mostly on Kodachrome) that amazed other photographers, Kodak and all the experts at the time; this was way before anyone had computers!
· Secondly, his pictures are not simply the well composed flower, fruit, landscape, nude or portrait studies. His pictures are surprisingly imaginative and once seen, his beautiful pictures impress and stay with one. They are not only unique, but both inspiring and intriguing and they have stood the test of time, since many of his most popular pictures were created over 50 years ago.
· Thirdly, he certainly has his own style that everyone can understand, but no one else creates art that is anything like his!
The first time ‘The London Salon Trophy’, a much-coveted International award (in those days) for artistic photography had ever been awarded for a colour photograph was in 1967. It was presented to John Neville Cohen for his creation 'Spirit of Spring’; John was the youngest salon member ever to have received it. This was also the first time a transparency and a negative appeared on the same film emulsion. Although technically extraordinary, it is more importantly a very fine work of art!
It was created by John’s discovery, that it was possible to simply photograph projected images that were not always projected on to a screen! His discovered technique sometimes involved; projecting his image through a crystal, through coloured cellophane, or reflecting the projected image off various reflective surfaces, the image projected could be a negative (colour, or black and white) and he even used three, or four projectors (with careful masking) all together at times. The chosen screen often became the subject of the picture; John has photographed projected images on to a feather, a flower, a shell, a butterfly wing, and even on to the edges of the pages of a book!
He built up a collection of around 75 studies that led to over 20 One-Man Exhibitions of his photographs (some were sponsored by Kodak) in New York, London, The Edinburgh Festival, Photo Expo and many other UK & USA Cities.
"..regarded as one of Britain's most original photographers" according to ‘The Times' and "A woman's face was exquisitely metamorphosed with the cup of a yellow tulip - a Femme - Fleur Picasso might have perpetrated had he taken to photography” published in ‘Arts Revue’. There were many other newspaper and photographic magazine articles published, because his pictures are not only technically brilliant, but fascinating works of art that even attracted the attention of such famous names as Cecil Beaton C.B.E., Sir William Russell Flint R.A., Sir George F. Pollock Bt., M.A., and Lady Clementine Spencer Churchill amongst many others.
Even now, his technique is not so easily replicated by software. For example his study ‘Sea Nymph’s Mirror’ shows a woman's face apparently reflected in a shell, but her face follows the contours of the shell, rather than just being a layer above the shells image and to replicate this with software would still be very difficult to achieve.
With so much success in the 1960’s one might well wonder why John is not by now far better known. There is a reason, John was involved in the family business, running an independent chain of specialist cinemas; he had become a director and was responsible for the ‘front of house’ publicity and he really enjoyed the business he was in. His photography in those days, even with all the success he had, was still simply his hobby!
Later with family commitments and so many more business demands, his photography was put aside. Although when the family business was sold, because of the impact of video and large rent increases, he set up and ran a commercial photographic and design studio. John also gave a number of lectures to various photographic societies, in the early days, explaining exactly how he achieved his results. John has also made this information freely available on his website in his article titled 'The Magic Lantern'. His lectures were in great demand and he always had a good reception. Not only were most attending very enthusiastic, yet even years later, hardly anyone has produced anything as interesting as John's studies.
John has openly explained that he often starts with an idea and then experiments with various images, but sometimes something unforeseen happened, that sends him down a totally fresh route to create a very different picture than the one he originally planned, often it has been these ‘inspired accidents’ that have since turned out to be his very best works.
It is only since John retired that he has started promoting his own art pictures as high quality limited edition prints and in a relatively short period of time, he has acquired quite a following on LinkedIn, Facebook, Flickr and in various other art sites on the Internet.
Recently a young art critic wrote "John N. Cohen's artwork incorporates several genres--ready-made objects, digital photography and Impressionist style of light painting - to create a striking and surreal effect that has a strong impact upon the viewer” Claudia Moscovici.
"Indeed, since the photographic image is made by the action of light, truth to light is truth to the medium of photography! All John Cohen's photographs are made, simply and solely, by the use of light. His magic is the magic of the luminous; his poetry is that of the chiaroscuro. The attractions of his work is all the greater for the purity of the photographic technique, and its appeal all the more universal for being couched in an imagery common to all men and intelligible to all”.
Sir George F. Pollock Bt., M.A., F.R.P.S., F.R.S.A.
John is now over 70 and is still currently creating pictures (one of the latest is titled 'Roller'). His pictures certainly cause interest, adding a bright new dimension to any wall. So sophisticated, original and contemporary, always a talking point, they intrigue, surprise, are beautiful and appeal to all age groups.
Limited to editions of only 8, these pictures have great investment potential too! Not yet one of the big names, but now is the best time for astute buyers to buy, considering just how very special John's photography is.
FOR MUCH MORE ABOUT JOHN: -
John N. Cohen’s web
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net/index.htm
Reviews and Exhibitions
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net/Reviews.htm
Sir George Pollock Introduction
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net/Introduction.htm
YouTube John talks about 'Painting with Light'
http://www.youtube.com/user/jncohen40
Facebook Fan Page
http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Painting-With-Light/208903157734
Fine Art America
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-neville-cohen.html
Art Review
http://www.artreview.com/profile/JohnNevilleCohen
Rhizome at the New Museum New York
http://rhizome.org/profile.php?1075241
http://es.linkedin.com/in/johnncohen
Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_n_cohen/sets/72157623122863068/
http://twitter.com/JohnNCohen
John Cohen’s websites:
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net
http://www.jncohen.net
http://www.jncohen.com
John Neville Cohen’s contact details
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net/Contact.htm
Over 20 One-Man Exhibitions; 2 held in New York, 4 in London, The Edinburgh Festival, many other UK and USA Cities
Favourable reviews and comments have been received from, amongst others: -
Cecil Beaton C.B.E., Sir William Russell Flint R.A., Lady Clementine Spencer-Churchill.
"regarded as one of Britain's most original photographers." The Times.
"A woman's face was exquisitely metamorphosed with the cup of a yellow tulip - a Femme - Fleur Picasso might have perpetrated had he taken to photography."
Arts Revue.
John Neville Cohen's large limited edition prints add a bright new dimension to any wall. So sophisticated, original and contemporary, always a talking point, they intrigue, yet remain intelligible to all.
http://www.artist-john-cohen.net