To some it is a piece of modern art genius – to others just a few scraps of blue tarpaulin.

The Pianist by American contemporary artist Matt Johnson is one of the most talked about exhibits at the new collection of works held by millionaire collector Frank Cohen in an industrial lock-up in Wolverhampton.

New Yorker Johnson shaped the pieces of plastic, steel and paper to create the piano – a tribute to origami artist Robert J Lang.

The artwork stands alongside a structure called Tomb of the Unknown, an eccentric piece of art incorporating images of a turkey vulture in a study of the “myths behind American national identity”.

Another work uses the death of Princess Diana. Beauty’s Gone by Li Qing, shows two almost identical images of the funeral procession. The differences between the images test the viewer’s memory of the first and also illustrate how people remember things in different ways.

Love it or hate it, the collection is good news for the reputation of Wolverhampton as a national centre of excellence for art.

The city is preparing to open its new Art Gallery extension next week, which is home to a collection of modern art that includes works by Andy Warhol and David Hockney.

Mr Cohen’s collection is based at an industrial park in Four Ashes and is open to the public for free.

The latest exhibition, called Time Difference, opens next weekend and runs until July 26. It follows the opening exhibition Design for Living, which was launched in January.

The self-made millionaire wants absolutely no barriers between his amazing collection and the thousands that are expected to view it over the next few months.

While most collectors flock to the capital to show off their unique hoards, Frank chose Wolverhampton as the new home for his set of contemporary art and furniture which has been largely hidden from public view since he started buying pieces 30 years ago.

And his involvement with the region is far from new – for his 2,000 strong collection, which includes pieces from all over the world – has been locked in a secret Black Country location for almost a decade.

For years, the 63-year-old has dreamed of opening a unique space in the Midlands, and now the works are being shown off in turn as he brings the exhibitions to the city under the umbrella title Initial Access.

He has plenty of space to play with – 10,000 sq feet of exhibition space converted from two industrial ‘sheds’ into a light and spacious gallery.

It is located at units 19-20 at the Calibre Industrial Park, Four Ashes and is open from next Saturday, March 31, from Monday-Thursday 11am-4pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. Admission and on-site parking are free.

Email info@initialaccess.co.uk or call 01902 798 999 for information.

See Also:

• Share your news, photos, audio clips and videos with the Express & Star