Tenebroso studies on paper
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(left) Nils Benson, 2020, Untitled Tenebroso Study, graphite and chalk on grey paper, 9 x 18 in.
(middle) Nils Benson, 2020, Quasi Estinto, graphite and chalk on grey paper, 12 x 9 in.
(middle -right) Nils Benson, 2020, Aeqilibrium, graphite, and chalk on grey paper, 12 x 9 in.
(right) Nils Benson, 2020, Asana, graphite, and chalk on grey paper, 9 x 12 in.
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(left) Nils Benson, 2020, Untitled Shell, graphite, and chalk on grey paper, 9 x 6 in.
(middle) Nils Benson, 2020, Nude Study, graphite, and chalk on grey paper, 12 x 9 in.
(right) Nils Benson, 2020, Selt-Portrait, graphite, and chalk on grey paper, 12 x 9 in.
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(left) Nils Benson, 2020, Snake, and chalk on grey paper, 9 x 12 in.
(middle) Nils Benson, 2020, 4 Shells on the Edge of the Ocean, graphite, and chalk on grey paper, 9 x 12 in.
(right) Nils Benson, 2020, Moonlight on Her, graphite, and chalk on grey paper, 9 x 12 in.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Throughout his career, Nils Benson has been possessed with the study of light, currently, that of the Los Angeles region. The painter’s methods allude to his many years working in the film industry where he worked lighting and shooting films.
Inspired by the movie sets of the past, with the layering of foreground elements against other visual clues to impart a greater sense of depth. Taken together, these modern elements, which draw on classical technique, give his work a kinetic allure.
In this series of graphite and white chalk on grey paper drawings, the artist uses traditional chiaroscuro and tenebroso lighting. While the figures portray erotic or sensual situations the theme remains with a delight of experience of existence.
BIOGRAPHY
Nils Benson (1966) was born in Los Angeles, where he continues to live and work. He studied painting and printmaking at the Pacific Northwest College of Art (Portland, Oregon) and Sichuan School of Fine Art, (Chongqing, China) receiving a BFA in 1989. Since 2015, Benson’s work has been represented by The LODGE. Benson’s work has been the part of exhibitions at institutions nationally, and internationally most recently: LA: Night and DAY by CURA ARTS and is in numerous private collections.
http://nilsbenson.com | @nilscbenson