Amidst the chaos of college life, the phrase “open space for your mind” has loads of appeal for many students. Artist Fletcher Benton’s “Folded Square Alphabets and Numericals” give people the opportunity to experience just that.
The exhibit, which features steel sculptures of letters and numbers, will be on display at the KANEKO through February 2011.
The phrase “open space for your mind” is one of the ways the KANEKO, a public non-profit organization, describes itself. It does not consider itself an art gallery or museum, but simply strives to encourage creativity in the arts, sciences and philosophy, according to the organization’s website.
To many, Benton’s exhibit is an ideal fit for a place like the KANEKO.
He is known for creating artwork that is “simple yet elegant,” said Julie Reilly, KANEKO director of development.
Benton’s creative process entails an original metal-folding technique in which he re-creates flat sheets of steel into colorful, bold 8-foot, 1-foot and 6-inch 3-D sculptures of letters and numbers.
Benton’s monumental artwork has even influenced many of today’s contemporary artists, Reilly said.
“I would think that college students today could see the seeds of much of what young artists are doing today in Benton’s work,” she said.
Benton, the recipient of the 2008 International Sculpture Center Lifetime Achievement Award, is not only considered a trailblazer by those in the art world, but is also viewed as a distinguished speaker.
He will speak on Oct. 29 as part of the KANEKO’s “Great Mind Series” in his engagement, “Waiting for the Magic Man: Fletcher Benton on Art and Inspiration.” Benton will explain his approach to the creative process and express his thoughts on the “magic man” – Benton’s codewords for a “surge of inspiration” – that, from his experience, may strike at any time.
This insight into Benton’s creative process along with his sculpture exhibit featured at the KANEKO offers viewers of all ages various opportunities to tap into their creativity while taking a brief break from the chaos of life.
“[Benton’s] artwork is really accessible to every demographic,” Reilly said. “Everyone likes his artwork, from kids to experienced art connoisseurs to students to teachers.”