Art in the Spotlight

Cohen combined his years of experience in Hollywood with his philanthropic spirit by founding Heroes for Autism. He curated a benefit to raise awareness and money for the organization, Autism Speaks. Cohen was able to exhibit his own work alongside over 100 pieces of artwork by photographers from the Heroes cast and crew as well as 12 of the world’s most celebrated artists with autism. This event not only raised $80,000 in one night but was the largest first-year benefit for Autism Speaks.

Cohen, who grew up in Redding, CT, was greatly impacted by the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012. At the time, he was living in LA and found himself feeling helpless and lost as to how to support and further the discussion on gun violence. This feeling led him to create a body of work entitled Farewell to Arms and later, Feel Safer Now? in response to gun violence and the political view to arm teachers as a response. “This body of work may not change everyone’s minds,” he says, “but it keeps the conversation alive, and if everyone contributes in whatever way they can, we can make small advances.”

As the photographer works to create, they often need to take assignments that will pay the bills. Sometimes these jobs can lead to something amazing. Having an open mind and using all your gained experiences can lead you to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This was the case for Cohen when he was asked to photograph a series of sports memorabilia for a collector, including the 1988 Michael Jordan jersey that was later sold at Sotheby’s for $10.1 million. “It was really cool because you are around these artifacts that were worn by icons,” says Cohen.

Later, Cohen was commissioned to assist with the Kobe Bryant 2007-2008 MVP jersey. The concept was to capture the legendary status of the late NBA hero through imagery of murals and other testimony of adoration. “I hadn’t expected this project to be so emotional, but as I photographed these murals alone, it was deeply moving,” says Cohen. “Kobe Bryant had a huge impact and his death sent a shock wave through LA and everyone who adored him. I felt that in the presence of those moving tributes.” Over the years, Cohen has produced bodies of work that not only connect to empathy but also to the feeling of joy in the moment. His collections Dogs in Cars and A La Mode are studies in enjoying life in the moment and have a joyful presence. He’s thinking his next project could incorporate his heroes concept and expand the idea of what a hero may look like.

Cohen advises aspiring photographers to make the most of every experience and not shy away from jobs that might turn into something more. “Everything from film making to traditional assignments has informed my work,” he says. “Make work for yourself, some may like it, some may not, but make it so that you can grow from it in some way.”•