Instagram story viewer> @benmiocollection> Posts

Ben Mio Collection

@benmiocollection

32

followers

53

following

We collect art by those who have tremendous self-doubt and absolute conviction in their work ❤️

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

I am thrilled to add another painting by Wu Jiaru (@wwwjjjrrr111) to my collection! This piece is part of her 2023 new_sounds_like_bird_in_Cantonese series (joining another example from the same group that was exhibited in New York). While many of her works examine raw, exposed physicality, this green bird carries a note of quiet self-appreciation and a sustained, inward gaze—marking a compelling exploration in her practice which channels the eros that dwells beneath introversion. Painted on a reflective fabric, the surface shifts dynamically; when captured with a flash, it yields a striking resonance with traditional Chinese ink wash painting. A big thank-you to Lisa Dai of gdm (@galeriedumonde) for helping me with the purchase.

—
Wu Jiaru
new_sounds_like_bird_in_Cantonese_vii, 2023
Oil on reflective fabric
40 x 30 cm by @benmiocollection

30

8

3 months ago

🌑

Wanda Koop (@wanda_koop)
Moonwalk No. 7, 2024
Acrylic on canvas
48 x 48 in.

—

In recent years, most of the artwork I’ve created has taken shape within the square format, including the main visuals I developed for the Mulan International Film Festival. A major reason for choosing the square lies in its natural geometric inclusivity: it extends seamlessly in both horizontal and vertical directions, allowing me to adapt and apply the main visual to diverse mediums and scenarios with relative ease. Through these pieces, I’ve continually explored composition within an equal-sided canvas and its potential to expand infinitely outward. Gradually, the square has become a visual instinct—artworks in this format hold a particular magnetism for me, carrying with them a quiet sense of familiarity.

In early 2024, I created Pò (破), a space-themed main visual for Mulan (Fig. 2 and 3). Throughout the creative process, the presence of my idol, the artist Wanda Koop, frequently drifted through my mind. I found myself constantly wondering: if she were to approach this same theme, what kind of imagery might she conjure? What kind of colour language would she choose?

As it turned out, this creative contemplation ultimately wove itself into a moment of synchronicity. Along a parallel current of time, Wanda was also turning her gaze toward the vastness of the universe. This was beautifully evident in her Objects of Interest (2023) series, presented in her 2024 solo exhibition WHO OWNS THE MOON at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and later in the many extraordinary pieces showcased in her 2025 solo exhibition Magnetic Fields at Arsenal Contemporary in New York. Among these works, I was especially captivated by her Moonwalk suite—particularly Moonwalk No. 7, with its luminous and commanding purple tones.

Purple is a colour that I, too, return to time and again in my own practice. Bringing this piece into my collection is not only a profound joy and privilege, but it also feels like a resonant echo from that synchronistic creative conversation. My sincere thanks to Night Gallery (@nightgallery), Arsenal Contemporary (@arsenalcontemporary), and Blouin Division (@blouindivision). by @benmiocollection

18

1

4 months ago

Wanda Koop
Native Fire (View from Here Series), 2015
Gouache and inkjet print on paper
57.75 x 40 in

—
#benmiocollection #wandakoop #gouache #inkjetprint #viewfromhere #canadianartist by @benmiocollection

14

0

3 years ago

Hello world! by @benmiocollection

7

0

3 years ago

Absolutely love Wanda Koop’s Face Time series! When our future generations look at these cyber-portraits, they will understand the impact of technology on mankind during this passing decade, 2010s.

Wanda Koop (@wanda_koop)
Face Time No. 14, 2012
Acrylic on canvas
20 x 16 in.

Exhibited in Museum London, this beautiful painting has found her permanent home. ❤️ by @benmiocollection

33

0

7 years ago

📷

Ren Hang (@renhangstudio)
Untitled, 2014
C-print
27 x 40 cm
Edition 1/10 by @benmiocollection

54

0

7 years ago

📷

Ren Hang (@renhangstudio)
Untitled, 2012
C-print
27 x 40 cm
Edition 1/10 by @benmiocollection

38

2

7 years ago

🖼️

Wanda Koop (@wanda_koop)
Hybrid Human - Glowing Screen with Figure, 2009
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 40 in.

—

“Often, people ponder, and in such outward gaze they merrily catch a glimpse of themselves, mirrored, magnified, glorified. Yet when you look at something much brighter and bigger than yourselves, you cast no reflection nor ripple. A grander, higher being is unmoved by your mere presence.

It’s such encounters that provide us a worthy inward gaze. For you see no worldly imprint or self-indulgence, but your very own, true insignificance.”

— Promise Xu (@promise.n.x) by @benmiocollection

36

3

7 years ago