Artworks by Benna Holden

My deep love of colors found in nature is a driving force that compels me to paint. The subject of my work is often where the land and water meet. I like to push the boundaries of realism into abstraction as my compositions form. By focusing on the energy of a place rather than describing an actual representation, I hope my work gives its viewers a sense of connection to a special place they themselves visited. The manipulation of acrylic paint on canvas with palette knives and layers of medium is an intense visceral process for me. I allow my work to evolve or devolve till it generates an emotional visual experience in itself. At times, my colorful patterns offer a visual representation of my deeply rooted belief that all people are universally connected. My process begins with simple geometric forms that collide and interlace. The resulting shapes symbolize the diversity of all people who can function together harmoniously with a little thoughtfulness.

I am a New York City based artist and a recent artist-in-residence at Trestle Gallery in Brooklyn, NY. I study at the Art Students League of New York and exhibit my work frequently in New York City. My paintings reside in private collections in the USA, UK, Hong Kong and Brazil.