Joseph Cohen Opened To Be Here Exhibition

The Friedrichs Pontone gallery in New York City is hosting a solo show of new paintings by artist Joseph Cohen.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Fine Art

Bold vector editorial illustration showing abstract layered canvas textures and crystalline structures, representing the experimental material science behind contemporary art. — Artist Joseph Cohen explores the intersection of fine art and material science in his new solo exhibition, To Be Here, currently showing in New York City. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Artist Joseph Cohen has opened a solo exhibition titled To Be Here at the Friedrichs Pontone gallery in New York City. The show displays new paintings created through complex laboratory processes and material experimentation.

Why it matters

The exhibition highlights a unique intersection between fine art and scientific innovation by utilizing non-traditional materials in contemporary painting. The artist's process bridges the gap between aesthetic gesture and advanced material science.

The exhibition features large-scale works created on 40"x59" sheets of 600 lb. Arches paper. These canvases showcase complex physical layers built through repeated gestures.

The players

Joseph Cohen

Joseph Cohen is an artist based in Houston, Texas, who focuses on the development and testing of materials through rigorous laboratory processes.

Friedrichs Pontone

Friedrichs Pontone is a contemporary art gallery located in New York City that represents a diverse range of international artists.

The details

Joseph Cohen incorporates separated carbon nanotubes into his works that fluoresce when exposed to the short-wave infrared spectrum. Each piece is constructed from gestures accumulated over time, reflecting an intensive studio practice.

October 9, 2026, marks the opening of the exhibition.
November 14, 2026, is the final day of the show.

Industry Dynamics

The exhibition aligns with a growing trend of artists integrating advanced material science into their studio practices. This move shifts the fine art landscape by prioritizing experimental, high-tech methodology alongside traditional painting gestures.

Visitors can view the exhibition at the Friedrichs Pontone gallery in New York City through November 14, 2026. The show offers an opportunity to observe how the artist's unique fluorescent materials appear in a controlled gallery setting.

The takeaway

Art enthusiasts and collectors can witness how scientific research influences modern creative output through these new works. Integrating laboratory-tested materials provides a fresh perspective on how paintings can interact with different light spectrums.