Neal Korn was born in Nyack, NY. Korn’s fascination in the human mind led him to major in Psychology in college. It took just one drawing class for Korn to realize that art was his true calling. After college, he worked in any job that had a connection to art, like designing displays for Barnes & Nobles, working as an art framer in NYC, and teaching art in New Jersey. Through it all, Korn never lost his interest in psychology. He continues to ask introspective questions through his art, pushing his audience to question their relationship to the piece in front of them, themselves, and society at large.
Korn first received some recognition after winning the Shaw Award for Painting at Brooklyn College and followed that up by showing his art in galleries and museums. He also won awards and grants from the Geraldine R. Dodge Fellowship, Geraldine R. Dodge mini-grants, FAWC, and HEART grants. He has been published in the Best of Painting book (Rockport), The Newark Star-Ledger, The New York Times, Go Out, The Courier News, Who’s Who in the East, and on NJ.com. He was also recognized for Outstanding Achievement by the Union County Board of Freeholders (his work is in a time capsule) and was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Kean University.
Statement:
I love the chance and absurdity to play a part in my artwork. I begin by staining my canvas with coffee or acrylic ink. Then, I squirt dots of ink onto my surface. This action turns my canvas into an abstract image. I stare at the shapes (created by the dots) until the shapes are transformed into the subject matter. This accidental imagery could not possibly be created on a conscious level. Rather than questioning the spontaneous reaction of these mediums intertwining, I submit to it. It is my way of discovering something that is deeply rooted within my psyche and mind. Later, when my drawing or painting is complete, I can truly assess my finished work and then, realize the true meaning. This extension of self can be deeply personal, social, political, or mundane. Typically, this is influenced by what I have been experiencing/consuming at that time in my life.