Samm Cohen
It's
an ugly world out there. Some days, beauty really is where you
find it. Good news! We found you some!
Now,
far be it from me to tell you what is, or isn't, beautiful, especially
when it comes to art. It's not who you know, it's quite simply
what you like. We like Samm Cohen's artwork. Samm's work reminds
me of the phrase, "do it with feeling." She uses real
color, deep and vivid, and she expresses herself almost literally
with her face. Lips, or eyes, or whole visages dominate her canvases
and photographs, and her work is very emotional, and not always
happy. But then, I don't know anyone who is happy all of the time.
And
yet, there is a certain cohesion to her work when placed end to
end. Each piece has its own set of expressions and feelings, and
instead of trying to drown each other out, they take turns being
seen and felt. Samm's work also includes jewelry, ranging from
slightly conservative, yet expressive, brightly colored stones,
to more aggressively visual pieces, again incorporating parts
of the face. Like the difference between raising your hand to
speak, and standing up and screaming, but still making the same
point.
Some
people are discomforted and disturbed by Samm's work. Given the
times we live in, I'm not surprised. People are very afraid of
their feelings, and don't like to be reminded that they exist.
Her work jolts these people, and undermines a lifetime of "boys
don't cry" and "frowning causes wrinkles." Feelings
are natural, and like most natural things, not always easily controlled.
Samm's work attracts people who feel strong emotions on a regular
basis, and believe expressing yourself, whether in a calm, controlled
manner (good for certain situations) or at the top of their lungs
(perfectly acceptable for other occasions) is perfectly normal
and healthy.
Samm's
work is currently displaying at Dusk Gallery in Jersey City (124
Storm Ave, Jersey City, NJ; 201.451.4404 duskgallery@aol.com)
and Wardnasse (178 Prince street, NY, New York; 212.925.6951).
You can reach Smm herself at samm_cohen@hotmail.com.
Whether you go to see the spectacle, or go to match up your favorite
mood, definitely go.
Past
Employees of the Month:
Bea
Want
to be Employee of the Month? Simply e-mail a picture of yourself,
what your "day job" is, and what you really do,
to editor@corporatemofo.com.
If we use your entry, we'll send you a free CORPORATE MOFO
T-shirt! And, if you're really cute, we'll pin your photo on our
cubicle wall!
Do
you let your freak flag fly full-time? Even better! Tell us how
you came to make your subversive activities your life. We'll do
better than make you Employee of the Month. We'll make you our
personal hero!
