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Knowledge Bennett

@knowledge_bennett

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Interdisciplinary contemporary artist. Based in Los Angeles yet works internationally. Painter + Photographer + Filmmaker

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Remember when I had that Lexus… #KnowledgeBennett taken in The Getty Villa - Malibu, Ca by @knowledge_bennett

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a year ago

Saint John the Baptist
Auguste Rodin
Norton Simon Museum
📸 Knowledge Bennett
Leica MP/50mm Summilux Black Chrome
Kodak T-Max 400 taken in Norton Simon Museum by @knowledge_bennett

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a year ago

Extract of Mystery of Life statue
By Ernesto Gazzeri
📸 Knowledge Bennett
Shot on Leica M11 Monochrom w/50 mm Summilux Black Chrome Edition taken in Forest Lawn by @knowledge_bennett

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a year ago

As a painter, who works in large dimension, it’s hard to return to photography and experience it only in relatively small print sizes. Really large photography is usually only seen in advertisement or for commercial use. The limitations of large format fine art printing is one of my biggest gripes about the medium. Then, when factoring in framing, logistics and the fragility of the tangible, it becomes a limitation that appears to have no work around. So, to enjoy my work scaled up, while in the studio, I’ve decided to project rather than print. It’s interesting seeing the work in such a way, making me wonder what a full on exhibition would feel like. Even though, the tangible works that will be made available for collecting, would still be a photographic print, there’s no harm and allowing an audience to experience it on exhibit in a different way. Now I only need 10 of Leica’s latest projectors. 10 Leica Cine Play 1’s! Yeah, that’ll do it! taken in Downtown Los Angeles by @knowledge_bennett

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Bust of Belisarius sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Stouf from 1785-91. Photographed at The Getty Center by Knowledge Bennett for his Still Life/Still Living series.

As artist who employ the medium of photography, we reduce three dimensional realities to two dimensional representations. We utilize techniques to convey an illusion of depth, although what we arrive at consist mostly of length and height. The third dimension is filled in by the viewer’s imagination. We don’t record objects we record the way in which light shapes an object. Doesn’t matter if it’s an animate or inanimate, a human being or a bowl of fruit. In the absence of an object we can decide to suspend and record light itself.
#knowledgebennett #thegettycentermuseum
#shotonleica #leica #leicamp #50mmsummilux #filmphotography #kodak #kodaktrix400 by @knowledge_bennett

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a year ago

Knowledge Bennett’s Still Life/Still Living project serves as a captivating reintroduction to fine art photography, rekindling his connection to the medium that first ignited his creative spirit before he gained acclaim as a painter. Captured within the luminous halls of the Getty Center in Los Angeles, Bennett embarks on an evocative exploration of historical artworks, such as Charles Cordier’s Sudanese Man, crafted in 1856.

This project allows Bennett to reconnect with his photographic roots, engaging with sculptures in a new light. Initially focusing on inanimate forms, he reflects a sense of disconnection from human subjects—an emotion amplified by contemporary shifts.

Bennett transforms the original three-dimensional works into immersive two-dimensional representations, utilizing analog film photography and choosing to shoot in black and white. This decision reduces color, emphasizing the play of light and shadow. Through a masterful interplay of angles and the museum’s ambient light, he conjures the illusion of depth, skillfully accentuating the contours of each sculpture. His decision to scale up the imagery imparts a grandiosity that commands attention.

Working with the available light, he moves around the piece to find the best angle, guiding the viewer’s gaze towards the most compelling aspects. By engaging with works of antiquity, Bennett invites himself into a conversation with artists long since passed, further illustrating that death only comes to those who produce nothing.

This focus encourages personal engagement and reflection amid the interplay of past and present. Through this project, Bennett reestablishes his relationship with photography as an essential form of artistic expression while weaving a rich dialogue between history and contemporary insight. His work beckons viewers to delve into the historical significance of the sculptures, fostering a deeper appreciation for their artistic and cultural resonance. #KnowledgeBennett #ShotOnLeica #kodaktrix400 by @knowledge_bennett

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Paint knowing that someday it’ll all be on exhibit for a comprehensive retrospective. A survey of one’s contributions to this jam. Don’t concern yourself with the markets, that’ll expand and contract, go from hot to cold and back to hot again. Remember why you embarked on this journey in the first place. Your life’s work! STILL STANDING!!! by @knowledge_bennett

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2 years ago

Knowledge Bennett’s Manifestation Of The Mind series comprises ten exquisite
paintings on stretched canvas, crafted in 2021. These captivating artworks embody a
hard edge minimalist style, showcasing a repeating asymmetrical design that gradually
ascends in height from one foot to an impressive ten feet. The purpose behind this
progression is to visually and metaphorically communicate Ralph Emerson’s profound
belief that “the mind once stretched by a new idea, never returns back to its original
dimensions.”
The series made its debut at KEAN UNIVERSITY, where Bennett held a prestigious
one-year artist residency. Throughout the collection, he skillfully incorporates his
signature black on black aesthetic, employing black diamond dust as the primary
surface material. This intriguing technique is layered over a matte black acrylic paint,
resulting in a mesmerizing aesthetic that captivates viewers as they navigate the
surface of each canvas, evoking a dynamic visual effect.
Bennett’s Manifestation Of The Mind series draws inspiration from the principles of
Hard Edge Minimalism. Hard Edge Minimalism is characterized by precise, sharp
geometric shapes and colors, emphasizing the flatness of the canvas. Repetition often
plays a significant role in these works. Additionally, Bennett pays homage to the Light
and Space movement of Los Angeles, California, by utilizing reflective surface
materials that interact with light, enhancing the perception and sensory experiences of
the observer.
In conclusion, Bennett’s Manifestation Of The Mind series presents a remarkable
exploration of his unique aesthetic. Through the masterful implementation of black on
black color schemes and hard edge minimalism, combined with the incorporation of
diamond dust and its interplay with light, Bennett crafts an utterly enthralling
experience for viewers. by @knowledge_bennett

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2 years ago

This past weekend was one for the history books! With the utmost sincerity I’d like to thank each and every one of you for showing up and showing love as y’all always do. With every exhibition, I’m reminded of the importance of art and its role in fostering community. In this digital age, now more than ever, we need physical spaces to congregate, communicate and experience tangible works. I’ve found no substitute for actually standing in front of paintings, drawings, sculpture, installations and more, experiencing all they have to offer. I take great pride in being able to offer this within the city of Los Angeles. I’d like to remind you all that NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND runs until April 14th. Open to the public via scheduled appointments 12:00 to 5:00pm Thursday through Sunday. Also if you’re not on my mailing list and would like access to the website’s shop page for the purchase of my latest limited edition print “Manifestation Of The Mind” be sure to click the link in the bio and fill out the form to receive the passcode. Prints go on sale to subscribers tomorrow morning at 9:00 am PST. Once again, thank you to all and I look forward to even more of you stopping by throughout the duration of the exhibit! Peace!!! #knowledgebennett #theknowcontemporary #NOCHILDLEFTBEHIND ALL LINKS IN BIO!!! taken in The KNOW Contemporary by @knowledge_bennett

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3 years ago

Peace!!! God (7) days from today will be the first time in over 2 years that I open my space to the public. Since announcing this exhibition, I’ve been reminded of the importance of community and my role within it. Countless appreciators of myself, work and practice have expressed joy and satisfaction for what’s to come. This is something I don’t take lightly. If there’s one thing people walk away from my exhibits with, it’s a sense of belonging. For those 2 or more hours, many feel seen, heard and embraced. Countless times I’ve been asked, how do you do it, how do you bring together a room full of non pretentious, beautiful, loving beings who are worthy of seeing as well as being seen? Who are worthy of hearing as well as being heard. The rooms we stand in are not only where we are but who we are. Birds of a feather… Whatever it is, I’m extremely grateful and don’t take any of this for granted. Not a day goes by that I don’t count my blessings for all I have, all I’ve done and all I shall do. The same can be said replacing that I with a WE. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. May all those in attendance find something worthy of being fond of. I leave as I came, Peace!!! #KnowledgeBennett #theknowcontemporary #NOCHILDLEFTBEHIND #dtla #dtlaartsdistrict #theartsdistrict
RSVP LINK IN BIO!!! by @knowledge_bennett

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3 years ago

There’s some beautiful things at play and in motion. Peace!!! by @knowledge_bennett

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3 years ago

Courage and imagination are two key ingredients required of any artist. You’d be hard pressed to find one worth their salt lacking such qualities. The longer one stays away the harder it is to return. Isolation becomes comfortable, yet nonetheless quite dangerous. To work in the shadows sometimes doesn’t feel like work at all. For art is to be shared not hoarded, experienced rather than explained. With that being said, here’s to coming back outside. 2024 we’re making the unknown known! Peace!!! by @knowledge_bennett

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