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Drawings, serial art processes (think prints), and installation all find a place in Philadelphia artist Zoë Cohen’s repertoire of “objects and situations.” She does not limit herself to traditional materials. Among her more offbeat media are drawings made with Jewish blood and Palestinian olive oil, or an installation made of multiple clay impressions of her navel, examples of “using products of the body to express the body.” Although part of her work consists of work created in the studio, she is also committed to the transformational potential of public works that are staged in everyday contexts and become complete through the interaction of participants — whose experiences become the work of art.

Cohen will be one of the artists participating in InLiquid’s “Art for the Cash Poor” event (June 9 & 10 at the Crane Arts Building, 1400 N. American Street). She will be showing and selling a wide range of work, including smaller drawings, woodblock prints, and cards. For more information on “Art for the Cash Poor,” visit www.inliquid.com

1. What brought you to Philly?
I first came to here to attend Haverford College (I’m originally from Boston), and then returned last June after receiving my MFA from Brooklyn College. What brought me back was Philly’s affordability, and the grass-roots art scene that can give exposure to younger artists.

2. Is there a place in Philly that inspires you?
My own West Philly neighborhood, for the connections and community that exist there, and the commitment to social change.

3. Why do you think Philly attracts artists?
The fact that it is affordable, plus the large number of independent nonprofit organizations is attractive. The neighborhood quality of the city makes artists feel that they matter more in the community. It’s a place where you can show up and do something interesting, and people will pay attention.

4. Tell us about your art.
I make my work both in the studio and on the street, bringing together my ideas about how I want to see the world transformed by and through art, and my desire to connect to ancient and enduring forms, images, and meaning. More and more of my work has been informed by my Jewish heritage, seeking ways to connect modern Jewish identity with historical symbols and ideas.

My studio work is currently focused on the activity of drawing. I’ve been developing drawings that combine the meaning of materials with symbols and patterns taken from the natural world. Repetition in this work allows the drawing to begin to make itself, for me to take my own (sometimes over-active) analytic mind out of the process, and to create an image that comes closer to the organic process of creation that produces all living things. I love working with evocative materials — blood, fruit juices, milk. Just handling these materials is holy to me, and creating images with them becomes a ritual process of connection to the spirit within.

I’m also invested in experimental projects that present people with opportunities to connect to their inherent creativity in everyday situations. I’m looking forward to working with a group of artists who are coming together in West Philly to present the city with ongoing participatory art actions on the street…

Art for the Cash Poor: June 9th & 10th
Crane Arts Building
1400 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
www.inliquid.com