One of my favorite observations (or maybe critiques) that I hear from visitors to the Walker is “My kid could make that.” To me this is part of what makes contemporary art so dynamic. This weekend First Amendment Arts presents DESSERT!: The Collaborative Art of Cohen Morano. This exhibition features art made by 6-year-old Morano with artists like Shepard Fairey, Barry McGee, Tim Biskup, and others. Check out the press release below and make sure you get over to First Amendment Arts to taste the sweetness.
First Amendment Arts is proud to present “ Dessert,” the collaborative art of 6-year-old CohenMorano. Much like the title of the show, the art has no grand illusions to be anything but a sweet feast, but for the eyes rather than the taste buds. When asked about why he named the show as such, he simply replied, “ Dessert is really good.”
From the age of two (with a little help from dad, Gangsta Rap Coloring Book artist Aye Jay), Cohen’s watercolor paintings have traveled the globe to a “ Who’s who” of modern art, spanning graffitists, fine artists, printmakers, tattoo artists, as well as clothing and toy designers. Once in the artists’ possession, they have carte blanche to do whatever they wish to one of Cohen’s watercolors before shipping it back to eager little hands.
What has come back has been nothing short of stunning, from Barry McGee’s intricate pen work, Shepard Fairey’s iconic stencils, Chris Ware’s animals on parade, to Mark Ryden’s interpretive use of negative space. With the number of pieces now well over one hundred, artist Jack Davis (of Mad magazine fame) called Cohen “ another Ralph Steadman.” Other artists involved in the show include Juxtapoz regulars Bigfoot, Kaws, and Gary Taxali, Ego Trip’s Brent Rollins, rappers Rammelzee and Z-Man, gig poster giants Art Chantry and Frank Kozik, and Burlesque’s own Aaron Horkey, Todd Bratrud, and Mike Davis. While these collaborative pieces will not be for sale, this is a very rare opportunity for Twin Cities art enthusiasts to come see work from all of these artists in the same place at the same time.
When not painting or drawing, Cohen is your average 6 year old. He loves going to kindergarten, watching cartoons, eating mac and cheese, and everything Star Wars. This last October, Cohen was asked to design a skateboard for Foundation’s limited edition “ F Art” deck series, and his work has been featured in recurring blog entries on the respected art website http://fecalface.com
The show will run from June 16th through July 17th, 2007.
We will have an opening reception on June 16th, 6-10PM (note: no late night afterparty) with music from DJ Mike the 2600 King.
Both Cohen and Aye Jay Morano will be in attendance.
We will also be serving a giant array of desserts, so come hungry!
First Amendment is located at 1101 Stinson Blvd at the corner of Broadway and Stinson in NE Minneapolis.
(612) 379-4151
Gallery hours:
Monday – Friday: 12 – 5PM
Weekends: by appointment
Some other links of interest:
http://www.mumblemagazine.com/407lilcohenmorano.htm
http://www.foskco.com/fartdeckprogram
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