1xRun: Anything immediate you would like us to highlight about this piece? Tell us a little bit about this painting, is the original still for sale?
Kim Cogan: This theater closed in 2004 and has remained dormant ever since. The painting was intended to be a bit of a conversation starter. The painting sold long ago when it debut at Hespe Gallery’s 20th Anniversary celebration in 2013.
1xRUN: What materials were used on this piece?
Kim Cogan: Oil on canvas.
1xRun: When was the piece created and how long did it take to complete?
Kim Cogan: The painting was done in between exhibitions from 2012 to 2013. Generally, I work off and on several paintings simultaneously for a few months.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Kim Cogan: I thought about painting the Alexandria Theater long ago. In the 90’s if I had time before work/school I would watch matinees. I would pass by daily and observed it slowly decaying. It doesn’t make sense to me letting the property go to waste especially as real estate in the city is hitting an all time high. Why close it down and let the property go to waste?
1xRun: What is unique about this piece compared with some of your other work?
Kim Cogan: I can imagine a whole series revolving around theater, but this is actually the first painting of a theater that I’ve done. Each artwork I create is never duplicated and therefore is one of a kind. What sets this painting apart from others is the way the light is portrayed and the luminous color, the bold brushstrokes and layering of paint, and the mood.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Kim Cogan: Buy it only if it speaks to you and you love it. Nothing else is of importance. This painting is now in a private collection never to be seen by public, but now you can enjoy this painting as a print and compared to the original it is an affordable alternative. But that isn’t as important as the first reason.
1xRun: Bring us up to speed on what went down in 2015 for you?
Kim Cogan: My time was divided between working towards art fairs and focusing on a solo exhibition. The exhibition showcased some of the most personal and creative artworks I have done to date. Although the subject matter was slightly different, the direction of the work embodies the same sensibilities and personal weight that is really in all of my paintings. The shift makes clear sense to me and is a natural progression. I don’t really know where it will lead to.
Alexandria by Kim Cogan – Click To Purchase
1xRun: What strides do you feel you’ve been making in your work recently?
Kim Cogan: Being progressive towards more creative/expressive painting.
1xRun: What obstacles do you feel you’ve been dealing with as far as creating new work?
Kim Cogan: Off the top of my head I struggle with painting “beautiful” things. The paintings I’m interested in creating are a gut reaction to the subject and offbeat, not always appearing beautiful but discovering beauty within. I hate to admit I also fail miserably at being repetitive. It’s very unnatural to recreate the same picture over and over. When asked to paint beautiful things over and over, I am just not that type of artist and can’t seem to do either. However I do thrive at being incredibly offbeat and prolific.
Photo by Kevin Tyler Muncy
1xRun: Are there any artists that have been inspiring you as of late?
Kim Cogan: There seems to be a surge of painters coming from London and Spain which is exciting to see and I am keeping eye on. Aside from that, I went to check out shows locally at Dolby Chadwick, Chandran, and a few others. I am always looking at Diebenkorn, perhaps way too much, but always feeling not enough
1xRun: What is your schedule like these next few months?
Kim Cogan: A few upcoming art fairs, shows and surprises further down the road T.B.A.
1xRun: What are some of your goals for 2016?
Kim Cogan: Most importantly I am taking some time to work on a few paintings that have been on the back burner but I am excited about. They didn’t fit into a show because of either the deadline or subject or both reasons.
1xRun: Anything else that we have left out that you want to touch on?
Kim Cogan: Thank you, I greatly appreciate your efforts.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Kim Cogan: Website – Instagram @kimcogan
-1xRUN