White Noise
Chris Cohen
MFA Thesis Exhibition
22 April - 25 May 2019
Opening Reception: 22 April 2019, 5-7p
Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art at James Madison University presents White Noise, the thesis exhibition presented by MFA candidate Chris Cohen. The exhibition will include Cohen’s work in ceramics, photography, painting and installation. White Noise focuses on Cohen’s tenuous relationship with his own identity as a white, southern, American male. Cohen turns his eye on issues such as the writing (and re-writing) of history, cultural and racial supremacy, white identity politics, racism, religious fundamentalism and family loyalty.
A portion of the work exhibited in White Noise was included in Spring/Break Art Show in New York City last month. Beyond getting recognition in Art News and The Art Newspaper, among others, the event provided Cohen with an opportunity to reconsider the presentation of his thesis as an interactive experience for gallery visitors and a possible locus for discussion of these difficult issues. Cohen hopes that by implicating himself in this narrative, and by opening a dialogue, that constructive reflection can come out of the white noise which currently stands in for public debate on these topics.
ARTIST //
Chris Cohen is an MFA Candidate in Studio Art at James Madison University in his final year of the program. He obtained a BA in Studio Art (Painting/Printmaking) from Yale University in 1993. Cohen lives and works in Lynchburg, VA and Harrisonburg, VA. Cohen has been in higher ed since 2005 as an adjunct professor at Randolph College, Lynchburg College, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, and as an instructor at James Madison University. He has been in several group shows throughout Virginia and his work is represented in the Collection of the Maier Museum in Lynchburg, VA.
EVENTS
22 APRIL 2019, 5-7p: Opening Reception: White Noise
Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art
24 APR 2019, 4:30p: Gallery Talk: Chris Cohen
Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art
25 APR 2019, 5p: Artist Lecture: Chris Cohen
Duke Hall Room 1032
03 MAY 2019, 5-8p: GALLERY OPEN FOR FIRST FRIDAY
Room 820 South Main Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
