Aaron Benjamin Cohen
In an era dominated by rapid movement and digital distractions, my work emphasizes the profound act of being present—of truly observing and acknowledging the nuances of human interaction. Through both painting and photography, I delve into themes of religion, culture, and companionship, aiming to evoke core human emotions such as life, death, love, and community.
My creative process begins with thorough research and discovery, drawing from sources like newspapers, public domain imagery, and personal photography. This foundation allows me to build compositions that merge and abstract scenes, weaving narratives that connect the viewer, the artist, and the profound themes expressed in my work.
Balancing between abstraction and figuration, I explore the tension between presence and absence, intimacy and distance. By layering and repurposing materials, including broken and discarded acrylic plastics, I push my paintings into more three-dimensional spaces, adding texture and depth that invite viewers to engage more intimately.
At its core, my work poses questions: What do we choose to see? What do we let slip away? In a time when detachment is easy, I view the act of looking as a form of connection—a refusal to let moments disappear unnoticed. Through my art, I invite viewers to slow down, to notice, to engage, and to recognize the fragile, beautiful, and interconnected nature of our existence.
1995 - Born in Philadelphia, PA
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