Discipline & ANARCHY: Joseph Cochran II
Joseph Cochran II (b. 1990, New York City) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans photography, video, and archival research. He explores the complex interplay between advanced industrial societies, their systems, and their impact on society. Traumatic temporal experiences have driven him to delve into contemporary societies' processes and practices and examine our conscious and subconscious engagement in today's globalized neoliberal economic structures.
Through his photography, Cochran creates images that blur the lines between documentary and diary, anthropology, ethnography, and philosophy, urging the viewer to look beyond the surface and analyze the complex relationships between subjects, whether they appear as symbols, individuals, institutions, or entire societies. His works have been shown in both the United States and on an international scale at galleries such as Swivel Gallery (Brooklyn, NY), Gold + Beton (Cologne, DE) and Decoratelier (Brussels, BE). Cochran's works are held in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (New York, NY), the Langston Hughes Library (Queens, NY), and the Evergreen State College Library (Olympia, WA).
WHY DO YOU DO IT? WHAT DRIVES YOU?
I do it because I don’t know what else to do. I’ve tried to quit doing this many times to live a “regular life” and each time I’ve tried, it hasn’t worked. That, to me, is a sign from god. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO FOR SANITY MAINTENANCE?
Playing video games and living regular life with good, regular people. WHAT IS THE SCRAPPIEST THING YOU’VE DONE TO MAKE OR SAVE $$?
Probably taking graveyard shifts in casinos in Atlantic City, working blackjack and poker tables. YOUR TASK IS TO PRESCRIBE ONE BOOK OR FILM TO THE COLLECTIVE FOR MANDATORY CONSUMPTION. WHAT IS IT?
BOOK: THE MASTER AND MARGARITA by Mikhail Bulgakov FILM: FLOATING WEEDS by Yasujirō Ozucurrent obsession?
Death masks.MOST USEFUL FAILURE?
Every single failure I’ve had has been the most useful, in life and in art.SELECTED Q FROM THE PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE: What is your favorite virtue?
You may abandon your own body, but you must preserve your honor. WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Currently I am working on my exhibition for the country of Malta’s first ever Biennale titled “The Quartermaster.” DISCIPLINE OR ANARCHY?
Discipline. 
