Arris' Cohen | Artist-in-Residence Interview

Urban Arts Space was pleased to select Arris’ J. Cohen (Sir’Ra) as the inaugural Community Artist-in-Residence for July-December 2023 for his dedication to encouraging art-making within the community and for the community.
Arris’ is a Cleveland-born, Columbus-based, classically trained visual artist who has been working professionally since the onset of the pandemic. His artistic vision is based in the diaspora and telling the story of his creative journey as an African American. Using vibrant colors and geometric shapes, his paintings reflect Afrofuturism and Afro Surrealism. Arris’ was also the featured artist in the Irrepressible Soul exhibition at Urban Art Space in June 2023 and has been involved with community-related work with UAS for over a year.
His love for painting has expanded to murals, and his practice continues to diversify as he has been afforded the opportunity to teach and give back to communities similar to that from which he grew. He looks forward to continued growth and opportunity to inspire people to be symbols of life and positivity in a landscape where not much else can thrive, just like the Baobab Tree.
Arris’ used this residency to take his work to the next level creatively while giving back to the community and promoting the importance of art in our culture. His free public programming-including a discussion around public art, music-inspired art-making at the Hale Center, and a mural project with Moler Elementary-helped bridge the gap between differing communities, with art as the connector.
Read more at uas.osu.edu/ar....
Music: Hold (Extended Mix) by KaizanBlu

[@Rackard-w2h]

Arris' work is so impressive! What a talent. And he has some valuable advice for aspiring artists.

[@urbanartsspace]

We 100% agree! :)