My Name is Cohen

This exhibition by photographer Daniel Cohen and journalist Mischa Cohen focuses on the question how a person's identity and image can be shaped by a chance characteristic like a surname.

The 'ultimate' Jewish surname

Few names leave such a profound mark on their bearers as 'Cohen' (meaning 'priest'), the 'ultimate' Jewish surname. Mischa Cohen, an editor at the leading Dutch weekly Vrij Nederland, and freelance photographer Daniel Cohen (no relation), know from experience that Cohens often have some explaining to do, be it about the politics of Israeli settlements, the meaning of Jewish holidays or traditions, the impact of the Shoah or their relationship to Dutch Labour leader Job Cohen. Not every modern-day Cohen can answer questions like these at the drop of a hat.

From all ways of life

How do other Cohens relate to their name in 2011? Daniel and Mischa uncovered the personal stories of 25 of their namesakes in Amsterdam, interviewing and photographing them against the backdrop of their city. They interviewed women, men, Orthodox Jews, agnostics, pro-Palestinians, Israelis, Jews, and non-Jews from three different generations. A selection of photographic portraits with quotes from the interviews is on display at the exhibition.