Introducing Leonard Cohen, the visual artist
An exhibition of Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen's visual artwork has opened in Porvoo’s Art Factory venue. The exhibition coincides with his concert in Helsinki on Sunday.
In his artwork, Cohen, who is better known as a singer and writer, depicts people and objects from his life.The pieces vary from charcoal drawings to oil pastels, as well as digital images. Many are self-portraits.
Leonard Cohen’s son Adam attended the exhibition opening on Thursday. A singer himself, the junior Cohen performed at the opening, and shared some thoughts on his father’s art.
“The work resembles the music, and if you are a fan of the music, there is a strong likelihood that you will be a fan of the visual work, because there is a signature, and his voice is really present in the work.”
Adam Cohen adds that his father does not wish to steal away attention from artists, who have devoted their whole lives to the visual arts.
“They [Leonard Cohen’s pieces] are informal, they’re casual, they’re without commercial ambition. They are just expressions. And although he's devoted to his work -- all of it -- he doesn't consider himself a fine visual artist.”
Adam also says he sees humour and self-irony in the works on display.
Porvoo’s Art Factory personnel have praised the legendary singer-songwriter’s exhibition, and see it as a grand opening for the newly renovated venue.
The exhibition runs until September 23.
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