Second Walrus Series Featured Alumnus & Art Gallerist Ethan Cohen '79
The second Walrus Series, a speaker series program at CSW, featured alumnus Ethan Cohen '79, art curator, dealer, appraiser and collector, known for being the first to curate Chinese Contemporary Art in the United States.
The second Walrus Series, a speaker series program at CSW, featured alumnus Ethan Cohen '79, art curator, dealer, appraiser and collector, known for being the first to curate Chinese Contemporary Art in the United States.
Ethan has played an important role in developing the Contemporary Chinese Art market internationally and was the first gallerist to exhibit Chinese Avant Garde art in America.
He presented a lecture called It’s the Way, From The Cambridge School to Now, which shared his trajectory following graduation from CSW to developing groundbreaking exhibitions and bridging the world of art from China, Iran and the Ivory Coast to the United States.
The event was held in the intimate Recital Hall within the Mugar Center for Performing Arts on the CSW campus, and was hosted by Rachel Hirsch, a celebrated CSW history teacher of 15 years, who interviewed Ethan after his presentation.
Much of the artwork made over the last few decades that Ethan has helped bring and share with the United States has a political or deeply cultural message. Rachel questioned Ethan about his role as a gallerist, and if he considers himself a channeler of artwork made to signify political or other types of statements, and whether he too agrees with the statements and sentiments.
“Yes, I think we need to help make people aware,” added Ethan. “CSW helped me understand empathy for others, a global empathy that I absolutely think was a push board for me and this career.”
Ethan began his art career in 1987, and opened Ethan Cohen Fine Arts in 2000. With two gallery locations in New York City, Ethan Cohen Fine Arts has introduced the works of now celebrated artists such as Ai Weiwei, Xu Bing, Gu Wenda and Qiu Zhijie. He is dedicated to promoting and showcasing contemporary art from international emerging and established artists.
His passion and exuberance for art originated as a student at CSW.
“What I experienced at CSW was how to learn,” he shared during the question and answer session with the audience. “My decision to become an art dealer was a deliberate and passionate one. I went into this because of my passion for the art, and for the people. I followed that passion without knowing if it could become successful. It is highly fulfilling to see my artists prosper for their beautiful talent. CSW indeed helped me cultivate that passion.”
As a teacher, Rachel delves into the philosophy, politics and art in relation to how history was shaped. In classes such as “Ancient Rome,” “The Cold War & Vietnam,” she challenges students to explore the origins, theories and practices of the time, as well as ideologies to tie all the pieces together for a comprehensive picture and better understanding. Hirsch has a passion for classical military history, an appreciation developed as an undergraduate at Wellesley College.
The Walrus Series was launched last spring as a speaker series featuring prominent thought leaders, academics, artists and change-makers within the CSW community. It is named after the chats hosted in the era of former CSW Headmasters John R. P. French and Dolph Cheek, who hosted a series of informal talks with students in their homes, dubbed “The Walrus.” The name is from the Lewis Carroll’s poem, “The Walrus and the Carpenter,” in which the Walrus declares, “The time has come to talk of many things.” CSW strives to teach skills and provide an education that reflects dynamic needs for the 21st century, and encourages dialogue in and out of the classroom.
Ethan has played an important role in developing the Contemporary Chinese Art market internationally and was the first gallerist to exhibit Chinese Avant Garde art in America.
He presented a lecture called It’s the Way, From The Cambridge School to Now, which shared his trajectory following graduation from CSW to developing groundbreaking exhibitions and bridging the world of art from China, Iran and the Ivory Coast to the United States.
The event was held in the intimate Recital Hall within the Mugar Center for Performing Arts on the CSW campus, and was hosted by Rachel Hirsch, a celebrated CSW history teacher of 15 years, who interviewed Ethan after his presentation.
Much of the artwork made over the last few decades that Ethan has helped bring and share with the United States has a political or deeply cultural message. Rachel questioned Ethan about his role as a gallerist, and if he considers himself a channeler of artwork made to signify political or other types of statements, and whether he too agrees with the statements and sentiments.
“Yes, I think we need to help make people aware,” added Ethan. “CSW helped me understand empathy for others, a global empathy that I absolutely think was a push board for me and this career.”
Ethan began his art career in 1987, and opened Ethan Cohen Fine Arts in 2000. With two gallery locations in New York City, Ethan Cohen Fine Arts has introduced the works of now celebrated artists such as Ai Weiwei, Xu Bing, Gu Wenda and Qiu Zhijie. He is dedicated to promoting and showcasing contemporary art from international emerging and established artists.
His passion and exuberance for art originated as a student at CSW.
“What I experienced at CSW was how to learn,” he shared during the question and answer session with the audience. “My decision to become an art dealer was a deliberate and passionate one. I went into this because of my passion for the art, and for the people. I followed that passion without knowing if it could become successful. It is highly fulfilling to see my artists prosper for their beautiful talent. CSW indeed helped me cultivate that passion.”
As a teacher, Rachel delves into the philosophy, politics and art in relation to how history was shaped. In classes such as “Ancient Rome,” “The Cold War & Vietnam,” she challenges students to explore the origins, theories and practices of the time, as well as ideologies to tie all the pieces together for a comprehensive picture and better understanding. Hirsch has a passion for classical military history, an appreciation developed as an undergraduate at Wellesley College.
The Walrus Series was launched last spring as a speaker series featuring prominent thought leaders, academics, artists and change-makers within the CSW community. It is named after the chats hosted in the era of former CSW Headmasters John R. P. French and Dolph Cheek, who hosted a series of informal talks with students in their homes, dubbed “The Walrus.” The name is from the Lewis Carroll’s poem, “The Walrus and the Carpenter,” in which the Walrus declares, “The time has come to talk of many things.” CSW strives to teach skills and provide an education that reflects dynamic needs for the 21st century, and encourages dialogue in and out of the classroom.
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.