Exhibitions
PAUL STEPHEN BENJAMIN: DARK BLACK
David Lusk Gallery Nashville / 516 Hagan St. February 20 - March 23rd
Paul Stephen Benjamin
David Lusk Gallery is pleased to present Dark Black by artist Paul Stephen Benjamin. Based in Atlanta, Benjamin is a multimedia artist whose body of work constitutes a profound exploration of the color black—a hue steeped in societal and cultural connotations.
Benjamin's installations submerge viewers in a multidimensional black color palette. His work serves as a testament to the evolving narrative of Black identity, culture, and the transcendent power of artistic expression.
In this latest body of work, Benjamin extends an invitation to contemplate the layers of meaning embedded in the color black. His artistic endeavor explores the societal connotations of color, unraveling intricate layers of significance. With a focus on the ever-shifting dynamics of culture and language, Benjamin's art beckons introspection into the complexities of our shared human experience.
These latex on burlap hanging installations exemplify Benjamin's ability to challenge viewers' perceptions not only through the color black but also through the scale and use of different textile mediums. Crafted with two distinct shades of black latex paint atop a stitched burlap sack, these pieces bring a visual depth seldom associated with the color black. The imposing scale of the hanging burlap adds a powerful presence to the work, providing viewers with an impactful experience.
With a clear vision for each body of work, Benjamin seamlessly employs a combination of mediums and artistic techniques to weave a cohesive and impactful narrative of blackness in America and the weight of its connotations. Dark Black places viewers at the heart of some of the most crucial dialogues circulating in our society today, instilling a desire for contemplation and awareness. Each work is meticulously curated to serve a purpose and highlight a distinct aspect of Benjamin's narrative.
Image: Very Black Square, Valspar Very Black 5011-2 Latex Paint, Behr Black Latex Paint on Burlap
Paul Stephen Benjamin earned a BA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his MFA from Georgia State University. In mid-2021, Benjamin exhibited an installation of stacked televisions and monitors in 'The Dirty South: Contemporary Art, Material Culture, and the Sonic Impulse' at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. Other exhibitions include 'State of the Art 2020' at Crystal Bridges Museum and The Momentary, Bentonville, AR; 'Great Force' at the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA; 'Reinterpreting the Sound of Blackness' at Telfair Museums, Savannah, GA; and 'Black is the Color' at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta.
David Lusk Gallery is located at 516 Hagan Street in Nashville. Gallery hours are Tu-Sa, 10-5. For more information or visuals please contact Judith Jessup at 615-780-9990 or judith@davidluskgallery.com.
