Elaine Lustig Cohen was a multifaceted artist who seamlessly blended graphic design, painting, and collecting. Born in New Orleans, she studied art at Sophie Newcomb College and the University of Southern California, where she met her first husband, the renowned designer Alvin Lustig. After his passing, she assumed his design practice, establishing herself as a leading figure in New York City during the 1950s. Her clients included prestigious institutions like the Seagram Building and the Jewish Museum, for whom she developed iconic visual identities.

In the late 1960s, Lustig Cohen transitioned her focus to fine art, creating vibrant geometric abstractions. Her later work evolved into playful and eclectic compositions that incorporated collage, photography, and typography, reflecting her lifelong curiosity about art, literature, and history.

In 1973, she and her second husband, Arthur A. Cohen, opened Ex Libris, an influential antiquarian bookstore specializing in 20th-century art and architecture. This venture further fueled her artistic explorations, inspiring her collecting and enriching her visual vocabulary.

Throughout her career, Lustig Cohen remained an active and innovative artist, constantly experimenting with new media and techniques. She saw art and design as interconnected pursuits, seamlessly integrating her diverse experiences into her unique artistic vision. As she eloquently stated, “What is great about being an artist... is that throughout your life you can keep opening doors that you never knew existed.“ (hs)