What Makes a Cohesive Body of Work
Cohesion is often misunderstood.
It is not sameness.
It is continuity.
1. Shared Conceptual Inquiry
A cohesive body of work revolves around a central question.
Even if forms shift, the inquiry remains consistent. Without a shared investigation, works appear isolated.
2. Visual Language Consistency
Look for:
Recurrent color palettes
Similar compositional logic
Repeated material strategies
Variation within structure strengthens cohesion.
3. Development Across Works
Strong series show progression.
The second piece should complicate the first. The third should deepen or shift perspective.
Repetition without development weakens impact.
4. Resolution
Cohesion also depends on finish.
A mix of resolved and unfinished works creates imbalance.
Submit work that feels complete.
5. Editing Discipline
Removing one strong but unrelated piece can strengthen the whole.
Editing is structural discipline.
Final Insight
Cohesion signals maturity.
It communicates that the artist is building knowledge through sustained investigation.
