Ken Cohen

A South African native, Cohen studied art at the University of Witwatersrand in Joannnesberg, and at the Slade School of Art, University College, in London. He has created sculptural work for Will Vinton Studios in Portland, and created a tornado machine and map projection displays for the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC. His “Urban Birds” diorama is in the LA County Museum of Natural History and and most recently he has worked as lead engineering specialist from 1994-2000 for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. He was Artist in Residence at the Portland Children’s Museum in 2000.

Recently retired from OMSI as an exhibit developer, Ken has a history of straddling the world of science and the world of art. Combining contemporary materials and techniques, his archetypal imagery catch one unaware, striking deep chords of recognition. Of his scientific displays and his art he says, “I strive to enable fearless draws from the deep well of the imagination.”