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Benito Esquenazi

Artist Statement

Updated: Jul 20, 2023

As a Cuban-American multimedia artist, I am devoted to merging figuration and abstraction, forging a visual language that encapsulates the vast emotional landscape we inhabit. Through my primary mediums of acrylic paintings, brush and ink drawings, art performances & interactions, I aim to transcend traditional boundaries and explore new frontiers.



In my creative journey, I have ventured into street art, multimedia sculpture, dance production as an extension of my drawings. By delving into these diverse mediums, I expand my artistic horizons and challenge conventional notions of what art can be.



Central to my artistic philosophy is the notion that art is not confined to a specific medium or preconceived definitions. I embrace the belief that "Art is the Way", where the act of creation itself holds significance, regardless of immediate recognition. I firmly believe that art is an indispensable element in leading a purposeful and meaningful life, as it possesses the transformative power to reshape our thoughts and experiences.



My figurative work embodies movement, seeking to achieve an economy of line that simultaneously captures multiple figures along a shared trajectory. Through the plasticity of movement, I convey the exuberance of being alive while also delving into psychological and emotional depths. Figures elongate, extending in metaphysical ways, as if reaching for the heavens or passing through other figures. This exploration of physical and emotional boundaries culminated in my dance production, "Dance of the Drawings," where my drawings come alive and dance within our physical space.



My artistic practice draws inspiration from classical themes and narratives, such as the tale of Pygmalion in Ovid's Metamorphoses, where artworks are imbued with life. I incorporate the pathos and archetypal images from the Renaissance, as well as the integrity and exploration of the two-dimensional surface found in late 19th and early 20th-century modern masters' works. Additionally, I integrate lessons learned from Duchamp, Pop Art, and Postmodernists, combining ready-made images to create new contexts that yield fresh meanings through their juxtaposition.



Marcel Duchamp famously stated that an artwork is only complete when it is seen. I wholeheartedly believe that art must engage the viewer, gradually revealing its essence over time. Moreover, the emotional state of the viewer adds an ever-changing dimension to the experience, allowing the artwork to evolve alongside their perception.

 

In my artistic universe, art is alive and transformative in constant dialogue between the artwork and the viewer. It is my deepest desire to create art that transcends boundaries, invites contemplation, and leaves an indelible mark on the observer's soul.



 

"Studio Writings" Performance






















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