55 Max Ali Cohen (1903–1957): De Ploeg & New Photography

About this activity.

Max Ali Cohen (1903–1957) was a member of the Groningen art collective ‘De Ploeg’ from 1929 to 1936. This first major museum retrospective showcases his work alongside that of other ‘De Ploeg’ members, such as Johan Dijkstra, Jan Wiegers, and George Martens. Ali Cohen was a close friend of Dijkstra.

In the 1930s, the press described Max Ali Cohen as possessing a "powerful talent!" His striking photographs, created in the style of the ‘New Photography’ (Nieuwe Fotografie)—a modern, objective photographic approach then gaining international traction—drew significant attention. Beyond his photography, Ali Cohen’s body of work includes paintings, drawings, and graphic art. Like other members of ‘De Ploeg,’ he drew inspiration from the landscape of the Reitdiep region and picturesque *wierde* (artificial dwelling mound) villages such as Ezinge, while also being drawn to the dynamism of the city.

As a member of ‘De Ploeg,’ Ali Cohen eventually faded into obscurity. After completing his medical studies in Groningen, he moved to Santpoort and carefully tucked away his artistic work. This largely overlooked body of work—by one of the forgotten pioneers of modern photography in the Netherlands—is now being brought out of the shadows.

This exhibition has been organized in close collaboration with Museum Belvédère. Until January 17, 2027, Museum Belvédère is hosting a presentation focused exclusively on Max Ali Cohen’s photographic work. Both the exhibition at Museum Wierdenland and the one at Museum Belvédère were prompted by the publication of the book Max Ali Cohen – Nieuwe Fotografie & De Ploeg, written by Jikke van der Spek.

Museum Wierdenland.

Location.

Museum Wierdenland
Van Swinderenweg 10
9891 AD Ezinge
tel (0594) 621 524
www.wierdenland.nl/