Ben Smith's Unique Paintings Explore Divergent Personal Identities
Laura McQuarrie — October 14, 2014 — Art & Design
References: bensmith.viewbook & visualnews
These unique paintings by Ben Smith take ordinary experiences like having breakfast, interacting with animals or listening to music and turn them into surreal settings. In the painted portraits, Smith explores multiples of the same person, or conjoined creatures so that immediately upon looking at the art pieces, you know that something is not quite right.
The Personal Mythology series seems to be a representation of the conflicting parts that can co-exist within a person, such as having different versions of yourself, or envisioning yourself as bigger, smaller, or even another creature. Adding to the unusual subject matter of the paintings, Smith has a distinctive style that looks as though the brush strokes are coming undone.
The Personal Mythology series seems to be a representation of the conflicting parts that can co-exist within a person, such as having different versions of yourself, or envisioning yourself as bigger, smaller, or even another creature. Adding to the unusual subject matter of the paintings, Smith has a distinctive style that looks as though the brush strokes are coming undone.
Trend Themes
1. Personal Mythology - Exploring the conflicting parts that coexist within a person, creating opportunities for self-expression and personal growth.
2. Surreal Settings - Transforming ordinary experiences into fantastical and thought-provoking environments, sparking creativity and imagination.
3. Distinctive Artistic Style - Breaking traditional brush stroke techniques to unleash unique visual expressions and push the boundaries of art.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Opportunities to challenge traditional artistic practices and embrace innovation in technique and subject matter.
2. Psychology - Using art as a tool to explore personal identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of human nature.
3. Entertainment - Incorporating surreal and unexpected elements into visual storytelling to captivate audiences and create unforgettable experiences.
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