Harold Cohen (British, 1928–2016) First Folio D, 1965
Color screenprint on paper, framed
69 × 69 × 2 cm (27.2 × 27.2 × 0.8 in)
9/50
Signed and dated "Harold Cohen 1965" and numbered 9/50 in pencil
Collection of Bre Pettis
PION.2026.8160
Description
First Folio D, 1965 by Harold Cohen is a vibrant color screenprint featuring an atmospheric arrangement of scattered, organic forms in muted blues, reds, and greens. Darker, densely textured shapes anchor the composition, while delicate black outlines introduce biomorphic details and a sense of movement. Created before Cohen’s pioneering computer art, the work reflects his early exploration of abstraction, color, and form. At the time, Cohen was an established London painter and would represent Britain at the 1966 Venice Biennale. Following his move to the University of California, San Diego, in 1968, he began exploring computer programming, eventually developing AARON, the drawing program that would define much of his later career.