Scotiabank issued the following statement on the passing of Canadian artist and photographer Lynne Cohen on May 12th, 2014.

On behalf of Scotiabank, it is with deep regret that we learned of the passing of renowned Montreal-based artist and photographer Lynne Cohen.

Cohen’s commitment to her art, her global vision and kind spirit were exceptional and it was an honour to be able to recognize her as the first winner of the Scotiabank Photography Award in 2011.

A leading force in Canadian contemporary photography, her work has been exhibited across the country and around the world, and is included in more than 50 public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Australian National Gallery, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Canada Council Art Bank.

Her legacy will live on through her art and in the lives of the many artists, curators and collectors whom she has inspired with her work.

We would like to express our condolences to Cohen's husband of almost 50 years, Andrew Lugg, her friends, and the arts community who have lost a wonderful woman, a great talent, and a true role model.