Author: Janice Kerber
Monica Ann Cohen’s “Life Force” exhibition, on display in the Art Gallery at Briarwood through May 1st, had its beginnings in childhood. Monica and her brother spent hours in the woods behind their home exploring and gorging themselves on blueberries and blackberries. The forest floor was their treasure chest, and Monica’s earliest drawings were cut away diagrams of imagined underground worm homes. Her current exhibition reflects the progression of this early interest in the natural world as it blends and coexists with human-made structures. This topic was addressed by Monica in a video presentation shown in the auditorium prior to the reception. The video, a first at Briarwood for an artist’s reception, also included original music written and performed by this multi-talented artist.
Monica, who has a degree in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, enchants the viewer with a collection of works varying in subject, media, technique, and size. Reminiscent of her childhood, a series of pen and ink drawings are consistent with the sottobosco style. This sub-genre, credited to Otto Marseus van Shrieck in the 17th century, focuses on the everyday intricacies of the forest floor, examining the undergrowth.
A trio of pieces located on the wall opposite the Grove Café explore the interaction of the natural world with industry, so prevalent in the familiar New England landscape of historic mills alongside natural waterways.
The remainder of the exhibition delights with enticing orbs that draw the viewer into the painting, and organic tendrils, leaves, and blossoms that tickle the imagination. Watch for her attention to detail and see the results of her intricate layering process. Visit her website at www.museumofplenty.com for more information.