From the series Paracosm

Swing by the house to see Ben Cowan’s work in progress in the studio. Then you’re invited into the living room for a presentation by the artist. Beverages and snacks will be served on the porch.

Occupationally, Cowan has worked in the studio of Jeff Koons and presently as a Scenic Artist for motion pictures. Both roles have increased Cowan’s resolve for refined painting techniques, experimentation with process, and a keen eye for illusions. In his work, Cowan draws inspiration from urban landscapes and gothic architecture, blending observed places, personal objects, and religious abstractions to create paintings that bridge reality and illusion, personifying the interpersonal and the supernatural.

“While making art can appear to be a solitary endeavor, Ben Cowan has found a way to integrate his work into his journey through the world of spirituality. . . In a time where faith has been weaponized, this life of deep reflection is more important than ever. His paintings stand as a testament to a life of contemplation and of engagement, and a welcoming gesture to question the building blocks of our own Paracosm, “ said writer Lucia Love in her newsletter Construction the Real.

Artist Bio

Ben Cowan was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He received a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MFA from Indiana University. The artist can be spotted examining plants and buildings as he walks to and from his studio in Brooklyn, New York.

Cowan’s work has been shown in solo and group shows throughout the United States including New York City’s 550 Gallery, The Painting Center, and Spring Break Art Show. He has been featured by Manifest Gallery’s International Painting Annual and The Brooklyn Review, and also mentioned in articles from cultbytes.com, The Wall Street Journal, and Vice.com. Cowan’s work is in private and public collections including The University of Scranton, Ann Arbor District Library in Michigan, and The Racquet Club of Chicago.