Floris 1964

Bernard Cohen made Floris using oil paint on canvas, but the date of its making is unknown. Cohen was part of a generation of British artists who came to prominence in the 1960s, a period that saw a loosening of the grip of traditional institutions in favor of new, more experimental approaches. The painting’s swirling lines and vibrant colors reflect an interest in abstract expressionism, a movement that originated in the United States in the 1940s and 50s, and which valued personal expression and the exploration of the subconscious. But Cohen's work also shows the influence of British art schools, which at the time emphasized formal experimentation and the development of individual styles. Understanding the social and institutional context of Cohen's work helps us to appreciate its significance as a product of its time and place. You can research more about these contexts through books, articles, and archival materials.