Behind The Scenes Of Kim Cogan’s Passengers

1xRun: Was this piece part of a recent  theme, series or show that you had? 

Kim Cogan: A recurring theme in a few of my paintings was observations of people on their daily commute. This painting shows the New York City Metro, but it’s an idea that could have applied to any transit system. In the painting the figures stagger as they recede into space to convey occupying a small space yet being isolated from one another.

passengers_prog-blog

1xRun: What materials were used to create this piece?
Kim Cogan: The original was done with oil on a 42″ X 45″ canvas.

1xRun: When was the piece created and how long did it take to complete?
Kim Cogan: “Passengers” was included in my 2011 solo exhibition. It took about 2 – 3 months working off and on.  A painting of a portrait/figure, landscape or interior, or still life is easy enough with practice, but for some reason composing any of the two together takes me extremely long.

show-01

1xRun: Anything you would like to highlight about this piece?
Kim Cogan: At first glance, the painting presents a familiar scene, with the colors of the subway and the glowing lights. But the painting really encourages viewers to examine the character of the passengers, their postures, and distance between each other. You begin to examine a deeper thought or memory.

Cogan-4Detail-1

1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Kim Cogan: “Passengers” fits in harmoniously in the exhibition which focused and drew inspiration from city interior and exterior spaces, and the relationship between individuals and their connection to the surroundings.

Cogan-4Detail-4

1xRun: What do you feel is unique about this piece?
Kim Cogan: Each artwork I create is never duplicated and 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.

kim-cogan-passengers-17x17-1xrun-blog-hero

1xRun: Tell us about the role photography plays in your paintings?
Kim Cogan: I use hundreds of reference photos as a starting point. The photos are not anything special; their purpose is to collect information. Most have horrible exposure or the colors will be way off and really exaggerated from the developing. I don’t consider myself much of a photographer nor a photorealist. Only bits and pieces of the photos will be used, the composition, drawing, color and lighting are all reinvented. The way I compose, apply light, shadow and color to a painting is all from years of studying, observing and painting from life.

studio_spring13

Photo by Cole Yamane

1xRun: How many photos will you typically take for a painting?
Kim Cogan: Dozens of photos. I have numerous photos of different locations, varying angles, and different times of the day. They might become the background or setting of a future painting so I don’t throw any away, I really need to figure out a way to organize them.

Mixing-Paint

Photo by Ian Sutherland

1xRun: Any big shows or events coming up?
Kim Cogan: I am really excited to be participating in a group show at Maxwell Alexander Gallery in Culver City this September. The show will include two incredible artists I am honored to be showing with, Kenichi Hoshine and Nicolas Uribe.

blog-01

I’m very excited as well to be preparing for a solo exhibition at Arcadia Contemporary in New York for Fall 2015.

1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Kim Cogan: WebsiteBlogFacebookInstagram + Twitter  @KimCogan

-1xRUN