|
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.
John Neville Cohen, projection photography, light painting,
special effects, painting with light, film, Kodachrome,
photography, portraits, analogue photography, creative
photography, artistic photography, visual arts,
photographer, technique, conceptual, surreal, dramatic,
fantasy, expressionist, art, artworks, contemporary,
impressionist, limited edition, pictures, Photo Expo, Kodak.
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
Selling Limited Edition Prints
https://www.artist-john-cohen.net
John
Neville
Cohen’s
contact details https://www.jncohen.net/Contact.htm
|