Discover Local Artists: Joel Cohen, Mimie Langlois

Tuesday 15 January 2013 - Filed under Discover Local Artists

Joel Cohen will be exhibiting his new photographic images along with painter, Mimie Langlois, in a show at Paul Fisher Gallery. The show will be on exhibit until January 30, with an opening reception on January 18 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Cohen’s images explore the powerful colors and graphics of amusement parks and county fairs. The detailed images of the rides and exhibits when taken out of context reveal colorful abstractions that most people don’t notice, he said. “Shapes, shadows, textures and angles are the essence of my art.

“Having looked through a camera viewfinder since the age of twelve has trained me to see images worth recording dozens of times each day. The images I shoot are heavily influenced by my training as a graphic artist.”

Manipulation is kept to a minimum and composition is all done in the viewfinder to preserve  integrity. “There are so many beautiful, interesting and dramatic images occurring naturally that I see no need to manufacture them into something else,” he said. “The success of my work is the result of learning to see the image through the eye of the camera.”

Mimie Langlois’s paintings are a modern interpretation and abstraction of Japanese Sumi-é painting. “For me, art is a necessity – necessity of freedom. Staying in the moment, no concept, no thought, natural spontaneity, unhesitating demeanor, I suddenly forget that I am holding a brush in my hand,” she said.

Her fascination with the Far East began early in childhood. A widely traveled aunt brought oriental artifacts home and Langlois spent hours admiring, drawing and painting these exotic treasures. She sought to deepen her understanding of Eastern culture by visiting Japan and China. She studied Zen and the martial arts and eventually went on to earn her black belt in karate.

Each of Langlois’s works from her “Enso” series, no matter how visually complicated, are executed with only one brush stroke.

Paul Fisher Gallery is at 433 Flamingo Drive in West Palm Beach. Valet parking will be available for the reception. The show can be viewed by appointment during regular business hours by contacting Joel Cohen at (561) 301-7457.

 

2013-01-15  »  Christine