Liquid and solid. Flowing and immovable. Water and rock. A relationship that has been constant for aeons. It could be easy on one level to say that these basic blocks of our physical world have nothing in common. However, I see many synchronicities, but with both being on much different schedules. The water is motion, energy, animation, and frequency that is present even in the most calm of moments. The rock has life as well, but creeping along at a speed that none of us will observe in real-time. But we can see what has transpired, layer upon layer of shale compressed, massive crags bursting outward, smooth stones formed and shaped with help from a fluid friend.

I feel peace and action in my expression of this relationship. In some ways, I hope to bring these elemental differences together through a single linear aesthetic that calms the waters and activates the earth. Many years spent living on the coast of New England in daily proximity to the timelessness of this dynamic of ocean and rock fuels my creativity constantly. I know it will be an exploration for me as long as I am able to give it shape. 

Adam Cohn is a native of Malvern, Pennsylvania, but has made the coast of Massachusetts his home for almost 20 years. His creative journey began in pencil drawing and sketching as a kid, to an education and practice in Graphic Design, and ultimately to leading product and brand creative efforts for companies such as Nike and Converse. His recent collection of drawings titled ON THE ROCKS is his third exhibition of work following I COULD DO THAT and WATER LINES in 2023. All his work has explored the relationship between humans and the frequencies and motion of water.

This is Cohn’s second exhibition at Gladstone.

Join us for the OPENING RECEPTION on Thursday, December 4th from 5-7pm!