The Chelsea Perspective - ARTisSpectrum

Masha Kohan
The paintings of Masha Kohan create worlds where medieval figures
stand out in realistic splendor in situations that are allegorical
or fantastic. Her painting “Listen!” shows an imposing female figure
dressed in medieval costume playing a flute. In the distance is a cloudless
sky and the faint outline of hills and valleys. Masha Kohan’s compositional
style is similar to that of Medieval and early Renaissance
artists who placed dramatic emphasis on the human figure and allowed
the background to remain largely unfocused. The woman’s intent gaze
is concentrated and powerful. Illustrated in the brilliant depiction of
her facial expression and the body’s gesture, it is as if, through her
flute, she is luring the unknown into the frame of view. The viewer’s
involuntary participation and experience of her movement, an unusual
interactive quality to a painting, takes Masha Kohan’s work to the modern
edge of contemporary art. Fond of Medieval art and philosophy,
Masha Kohan brings her unique perception to today’s audience, leading
us into a scene of mystery and secrecy frozen in time. Before Masha
Kohan began painting, she was a jewelry artist. Her change in medium
began when she and her husband, fellow metal and glass designer
Imre G. Kohan, moved from Budapest to the Maltese Islands. Living a
mostly hermetic lifestyle on a spellbound Mediterranean Archipelago,
rich in cultural heritage, inspired Masha Kohan to change her mode of
expression. As her paintings testify, Masha Kohan’s imagination is an
incredible tool in her creations and one that will continue to serve her
well in any medium.
www.mashakohan.com
Listen! 27.5” x 20” Oil on Canvas
5 ARTisSpectrum