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INFORMATION THAT MIGHT HELP PREPARE A PRESS RELEASE
John Neville Cohen
A Visionary in Photography
John Neville Cohen stands as a paragon of photographic artistry, his lens capturing more than mere images—it captures imagination. With a pioneering spirit, Cohen’s ‘Spirit of Spring’ remains an emblematic piece, showcasing his ‘painting with light’ technique. This method, a blend of innovation and tradition, forges a visual symphony from a portrait transparency and a tulip’s negative image on Kodachrome film.
Innovation Beyond the Darkroom
Cohen’s artistry flourished in an era before digital dominance. His hands crafted wonders with light and film, not pixels. The 1960s bore witness to his ingenuity, as he manipulated Kodachrome color reversal film to birth images that defied conventional photography, without the crutch of digital software, or darkroom alchemy.
A Celebrated Exhibitionist
With over 20 solo exhibitions gracing metropolises like New York, London, and Edinburgh, Cohen’s work has captivated audiences worldwide. His unique approach to projection photography—capturing projected images in unconventional ways—continues to resonate with art lovers, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.
The Essence of Cohen’s Craft
At its core, John Neville Cohen’s art is a dance of light and form, a testament to the power of pure photography and narrative. His use of projectors, crystals, and reflections adds depth and complexity to his work, challenging perceptions and inviting viewers to partake in his sophisticated visual feast.
An Undiscovered Gem
Despite the whims of search algorithms, Cohen’s
complete works remain a treasure trove for those who seek the enchanting interplay of light and shadow. His
art, a hidden gem, awaits discovery by connoisseurs of photographic magic.
A Renaissance Man
John Neville Cohen is not merely a photographer; he is a renaissance man. His passions span from the art of projection photography to the realms of Asian antiquities and classic Jensen automobiles. His literary contributions include ‘The History of Jacey Cinemas,’ ‘The Cohen Collection’ of Asian art, and a unique philatelic album for young collectors.
Invitation to Explore
We invite you to delve into the world of John Neville Cohen, where photography transcends its bounds and becomes a canvas of wonder. For further insights and to view his acclaimed works, please download the accompanying PDF.
Note: This press release is a compilation of various sources and is presented in the third person to maintain the integrity of the original quotations and perspectives.
Discover the Special Art of John Neville Cohen
John Neville Cohen is an artist of light, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. His creations are not mere photographs; they are statements of fantasy and beauty that challenge the viewer to see beyond reality.
As Cohen himself articulates, “The artist begins with a blank canvas, but the photographer’s canvas is always full.” It is within this full canvas that Cohen weaves his magic, distinguishing his art with three key attributes:
1. Invention: Cohen’s ‘painting with light’ technique, developed in the early 1960s, revolutionized photography without the aid of computers or darkroom processes, earning him international acclaim.
2. Purity: His commitment to pure photographic techniques set his work apart, producing Kodachrome transparencies that left peers and experts in awe.
3. Fantasy: Cohen’s ability to craft fantasy from reality offers a fresh perspective, making his
mesmerizing art a unique and valuable addition to the world of photography.
For a glimpse into the remarkable world of John Neville Cohen, peruse the press cuttings and letters that attest to his genius.
This press release aims to encapsulate the essence of John Neville Cohen’s work and his contribution to the art of photography. It’s designed to be informative, engaging, and reflective of Cohen’s unique place in the art world.
John Neville Cohen’s remarkable photography is a canvas painted with curiosity, innovation, and a love for the extraordinary. His artistry transcends traditional photography, inspiring viewers with his unique and captivating approach.
A World First
Known for his iconic photography ‘Spirit of Spring’ created by using his own innovative technique of ‘painting with light’. By blending a portrait transparency with a negative image of a red tulip on the same Kodachrome emulsion, he achieved a captivating and harmonious composition. The interplay of light and form in this work evokes a sense of magic and wonder, making it one of his most celebrated creations.
John’s technique involves photographing projected images, but not necessarily onto a screen. His portfolio includes stunning photographs that evoke emotions and intrigue. His limited-edition prints resonate universally, appealing to all who
appreciate the purity of this photographic technique.
Download a PDF
Evidence
- See Press Cuttings & Letters
John Neville
Cohen is really an artist who uses photography.
Photographer’s record reality and the best do that really
well, but John creates amazing fantasy from reality! His
beautiful pictures surprise, intrigue and make quite a statement!
The first
time ‘The London Salon Trophy’, a much-coveted
International award for artistic photography had ever been awarded for
a colour photograph (printed
from a Kodachrome
transparency) was for 'Spirit
of Spring’ in 1967. John was not only the
youngest salon member ever to have received it, but it was also the
very first time a transparency positive and a negative, appeared on the same film
emulsion. Although technically extraordinary, it is more
importantly a very fine work of art.
Spirit of
Spring
National Science and Media Museum Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 1NQ
UK
NSMM Research Library Book database. Reference: 770.05.COH
Author: Cohen, John Neville
Title: Painting With Light By Projection Photography: Pure Photography Using Light & Film,
Description: Essay and references to the pioneering technique developed by John Neville Cohen, which enabled the creation of ‘Spirit of Spring’,
the first ever Kodachrome transparency that had both a portrait and a negative image of a tulip, on the same emulsion.
Beauty is
John’s
discovery was based on simply photographing projected images that were
not always projected on to a screen and 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!
Madam
Butterfly
Preacher
He built up
a collection of around 75 studies that led to over 20 One-Man
Exhibitions of his photographs (some
sponsored by Kodak) in New York,
London, The Edinburgh Festival, and many other UK & USA
Cities. At Photo Expo (famous
photographers were lucky to have 3 pictures included at 'Photo Expo
68') but a wall of over 60 pictures
was devoted to John.
"..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.
A number of newspaper and photographic magazine articles were published
and his art 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.
Evidence
- See Press Cuttings & Letters
Flower
Maiden
Sea
Nymph's
Mirror
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 most valued artworks.
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.
(Past President of The Royal Photography Society).
Kodak New York Press Release 1968
John
started promoting his high-quality limited edition prints only since he
retired and in a relatively short period of time, he has acquired quite
a following on LinkedIn, Facebook, and at various other art sites on
the Internet, like Flickr, where so many have chosen his pictures as 'favourites'.
"I
love these, John. Can imagine them large scale in a white room - would
look fantastic!" Rachel
Glittenberg
Facebook
"Hi John, I am so pleased to have come across your page, your work is
sensationally sophisticated and so softly intense, you have a unique
personal talent for expressing visually moments of being and emotional
journeys, sincerest congratulations on your excellent artistic
technique, xx you are such a talent
John" Monica Martinelli-Richmond Facebook
"Stunning image! Your work is amazing! Your
work is extraordinary and very inspirational!" emellin66
Flickr
"really beautiful and magical. love the composition."
Galerie-Morgenstern
Flickr
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, having started as a projectionist, 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. His lectures were in great demand and he always had
a good reception. Not only were most attending very
enthusiastic, but even years later, hardly anyone has produced anything
as interesting as his studies. John also made this
information freely available on his website in his article titled 'The
Magic Lantern'.
Roller
John is
now well over 80 and is still currently creating pictures (one
of the latest is 'Roller'). His
pictures certainly cause interest, adding a bright new dimension to any
wall. So sophisticated, always a talking point, appealing to all age
groups.
Montmartre
One must
not
forget that John's reality photography is outstanding too (as
can be seen in 'Montmartre') and
some of these are also published as limited-edition prints.
For serious art buyers and art lovers there are still some of the
prints for sale. To buy an artwork by John, it is still possible to
purchase a print, although they are limited to only 8 of each
picture. Not yet one of the big names, but these pictures do
have great investment potential and now is the best time for astute
buyers to buy.
"Art
Galleries refer to me as a photographer,
but photographers refer to me
as an Artist!"
John Neville Cohen.
Keywords:
John Neville Cohen, interview, #projectionphotography #lightpainting #specialeffects #Kodachrome #photography #paintingwithlight #film #portraits #johnnevillecohen #analoguephotography #creativephotography #conceptual #surreal #dramatic #fantasy #expressionist #artisticphotography #visualarts
Art, artworks, contemporary, impressionist, photographer, limited edition, painting with light, technique, for sale, pictures, Photo Expo, Kodak, Kodachrome,
For Much
More About John: -
John Neville
Cohen’s web
https://www.jncohen.net/Limited-Edition-Prints/index.htm
Reviews and Exhibitions https://www.jncohen.net/Limited-Edition-Prints/Reviews.htm
Sir George Pollock Introduction https://www.jncohen.net/Limited-Edition-Prints/Introduction.htm
YouTube
John talks about
'Painting with Light' https://www.youtube.com/user/jncohen40
LinkedIn
https://es.linkedin.com/in/johnncohen
Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/john_n_cohen/sets/72157623122863068/
Twitter https://twitter.com/JohnNCohen
Interviews:
Artpromotive
Feb 2012
Leap
May 2012
Facebook Fan Page https://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Painting-With-Light/208903157734
Fine Art America https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-neville-cohen.html
John
Cohen’s
websites: -
Asian Antiques, Photography and Classic Cars https://www.jncohen.net
Antique Reference: Japanese Netsuke, Inro, Chinese Snuff Bottles,
Pendants, Jade https://www.jncohen.com
History of Jacey
Cinemas Ltd and Joseph Cohen
https://www.jncohen.net/JaceyGroup/JosephCohen.htm
A Very Special
Stamp Collecting Album
https://www.jncohen.net/Stamp-Collecting/index.htm
Classic Jensen
Cars from the early 1960's
https://www.jncohen.net/Jensen.htm
Painting with Light
https://www.jncohen.net/Limited-Edition-Prints
John
Neville
Cohen’s contact details https://www.jncohen.net/Contact.htm
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