#liam benson

[creativespark]

Liam Benson (Australia, 1980-), The Executioner, 2015 Inkjet print on cotton rag paper, edition of 5 90 x 134 cm Photograph by Alex Wisser

[creativespark]

Liam Benson (Australia, 1980-), The Terrorist, 2015 Inkjet print on cotton rag paper, edition of 5 90 x 134 cm Photograph by Alex Wisser

[creativespark]

Liam Benson (Australia, 1980-) The Crusader 2015 Inkjet print on cotton rag paper, edition of 5 90 x 134 cm Photograph by Alex Wisser

[nafeathers]

Liam Benson, "Mrs Boss Slays the Malevolent Scoundrel"

[contextreview]

Liam Benson, You and Me, 2017.

[artcritickid]

Artists as Advocates: Liam Benson Focus

More work on my very rough draft towards developing my research paper will be writing on more depth about other artists mentioned in follow up posts:

WHAT AND WHY

In order to gain a deeper level of understanding about how artists such as David Capra, Liam Benson and Jodie Whalen/Franco act as advocates and brand advocates there needs to be some consideration of the five W questions: Who, What, When, Why and hoW?

Liam Benson

Born in Westmead hospital, Liam Benson graduated from the University of Western Sydney in the year 2002 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, where he met fellow artist Naomi Oliver, with whom he formed the performance art duo Motel Sisters. Liam Benson is best known for his work around challenging cultural and gender-based stereotypes, which he has explored through photography, performance, video and textiles based artworks.

Benson advocates for Western Sydney through his artistic practice that references slogans, imagery and pop culture which are at the crux of culture in Western Sydney. During the panel discussion held at Artereal Gallery on the 18th of April Liz Chang queries Benson’s use of the hoodie in his video performance work ‘Fortitudine’. Benson responded by talking about hoodies as being culturally significant to Western Sydney, that there is a popular perception around hoodies as being associated with crime, and as a way of hiding ones identity but that his own personal relationship to the hoodie is one of comfort. If the hoodie is a cultural symbol representing Western Sydney, then Benson speaks of the comfort found in a place that has been misconceived as a site for criminal activity.

While Benson lives within the Sutherland Shire he has long been associated with Western Sydney, through his studies at the University of Western Sydney and also through earlier opportunities to exhibit within regional galleries such as Blacktown Arts Centre. Coming from a more suburban background forms a common understanding of the challenges and joys of a Western Sydney lifestyle, traveling further and working harder but also having strong family ties and a shared sense of humour, these are ideas that Benson has made use of in his work but also discussed on multiple occasions during public talks and also when liaising with media professionals.

Benson further advocates for the Parramatta Artists studios through his continued participation within programs coming out of the studios, as a past artist. Currently represented by Artereal Gallery it is possible that Benson also had a part in fostering the connection between Parramatta Artists Studios and Artereal Gallery, which allowed for the development of the Façade exhibition.

While Benson has had a history of exhibiting prior to his residencies with Parramatta Artists Studios the focus on the community was a really big focus was a part of the application process - this helped Liam get in contact with these people, that this would become hugely important to the practice. all these different women coming together and just being together, they’re not artists, they’re makers. Why am i an artist, it is to connect with people.

[audiofodder-blog]

Liam Benson "The Primordial Will" RIYL Beach Fossils

[yavuzerkan]

Stealing horses, Liam Benson, 2011