Interview with Charles Cohen

This interview discusses Charles Cohen's Buff series. In this series he utilizes the cutout effect. Cohen explains that the viewing experience is divided into three effects. The first is the initial recognition of the cutout.  The viewer notices the void straight away.  The second effect is the abstract effect. He explains this as any intellectual activity that the viewer goes through after noticing the void of the cutout.  The abstract effect is the time when the viewer is deciding how to comprehend each picture. This is the time where one might recognize what the cutout was before it was removed. The results might vary depending on who is actually deciphering the piece. 

In the Buff series, some viewers assume the images are pornographic.  Despite the fact, that it is unclear whether the cutout parts are clothed or nude.  The title of the series suggests that they are nude, but it is obvious that Cohen is interested in pushing the question: What is pornography?

Is it created in our minds or is it a tangible issue. I believe it is formed within our minds. Society instructs us to what is acceptable and what is not, but how is this determined? Who is the authority on the manner? What makes one person uncomfortable is not necessarily offensive to the next. Pornography is a booming business, so why are people reluctant to admit they buy it?

In the Buff series, the pornographic element is created within the subconscious of the each viewer. This conclusion sets up the third element of the viewing experience, which is the reflexive effect. During this stage, the viewer combines all viewing modes and constructs the meaning of the entire experience.

This is when one might “assume co-authorship with the artist.” Cohen's theme revolves around the absence of presence. His work encourages people to explore bigger issues than the actual cutouts. Without this exploration, the series would not be so interesting. It is effective because the shapes are recognizable to every viewer. The final reflexive effect will vary depending on each participant.

*This information was taken from an interview between Mark Cooley and Charles Cohen on September 28, 2006