Celebrating Black Art

THE COCHRAN SISTERS’ JOURNEY INTO THE ABSTRACT

What began as a family bonding experience eventually led two sisters, MahLeah and Brenae Cochran, into the life of becoming professional artists. Their family was experiencing what MahLeah described as a “dark time filled with grief” and she and her two sisters would sit together and paint, draw and sketch. At the family table they discovered the expressive, therapeutic nature of art and decided to pursue the professional careers.

Both sisters were inspired by art from an early age, taking multiple classes throughout their lives. Through this exploration, both discovered that the abstract art form is where their true passion resided.

MahLeah, an acrylic artist, and Brenae, a digital artist, got their start as professional artists here in Westerville. During a visit to Westerville Area Resource Ministry, MahLeah was encouraged to share her art with the Arts Council of Westerville and they were welcomed warmly. For the past four years they have participated in the Council’s “Arts Alley” on 4th Fridays.

Abstract #3 Winter of Discontent. Acrylic on Canvas. MahLeah Cochran

Once the sisters put their art on public display, doors started opening for them. “It was such a great experience. We were welcomed to Westerville and central Ohio with arms wide open. It almost felt effortless,” said Brenae.

Their inspiration comes from other Black artists. MahLeah takes her inspiration from Alma Thomas, a black female artist, who emerged during the 1960s as an exuberant colorist, abstracting shapes and patterns from the natural world. “She created her own style with lots of intricate lines and colors. I was so moved when I saw someone who looked like me and painted in the abstract style. Representation matters,” said MahLeah.

Brenae takes inspiration from artist Aaron Douglas, who drew upon his knowledge of African art, cubism and the art deco style to create a style that would soon be the visual signature of the Harlem Renaissance. One of his famous paintings, “Let My People Go,” inspired her the most. “The painting showed how people could break free and take control of their own lives. That is important to me,” said Brenae. She uses this inspiration daily in her digital artworks.

The Cochran sisters have different aspirations for their future as artists. MahLeah would like to travel the world teaching workshops about the healing and peace art can bring. She had a chance to do that in 2019 when she traveled to France to host works for North African refugees. “I want to take people on a healing journey with paint and give them a full sensory experience. I hope to travel to parts of Africa in the near future to do that,” said MahLeah.

Brenae has a different goal. She would like to see her art available on a commercial scale in retail spaces. She wants her art to be accessible on a large scale, so people can have easy access to original artworks. “I want to see my art circulating in communities,” said Brenae.

MahLeah and Brenae hope to continue using their voices to break the stigma of mental health challenges in communities of color. They also want to see more artists take a journey like theirs. Brenae advises other emerging artists to “just step out and do it.”

“Putting myself out publicly was scary. It still is. But it gets better the more you do it,” said Brenae. “Enjoy what you’re doing, explore what your creative process is and get engaged by getting your art in front of people,” said MahLeah.

When they aren’t immersed in creating art, Brenae can usually be found watching actionpacked movies and MahLeah’s favorite pastime is making connections with strangers’ dogs during her adventures.

The Cochran sisters currently have a duo exhibition at the United States Attorney’s Office at 303 Marconi Boulevard in downtown Columbus. The exhibition is curated by Suzanne Byrd and is on display until March 2023.

For more information about MahLeah’s artwork

visit www.mahleahart.com.

For Brenae’s artwork

visit www.studiobrenae.com.

Visual Artist Brenae Cochran

Visual Artist MahLeah Cochran