EXHIBITIONS
"This Is Us"
Solo Exhibition
Presented By Dash Fine Arts
Please join us for Reed Benson's "This Is Us," solo exhibition opening reception on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 6-10 p.m. at 313 Nelson Street SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30303.
Known for his fluorescent abstract and Neo-Expressionism painting, Benson will feature 12 works influenced by Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory suggesting the psyche comprises of three concepts of the mind that interact and contribute to the ways in which individuals think and behave.
Internationally recognized, Benson’s work is on display at American University’s School of Education in Washington D.C., and The Braemar Lodge Hotel in Scotland. His work belongs to private and corporate collections in Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Atlanta, and Miami.
“This Is Us,” will kick off Friday, March 10 at 313 Nelson Street SW, Atlanta GA 30303. The one night only event is free and open to the public from 6-10 p.m.
The exhibition will run through April exclusively on Artsy.
Reed Benson's "This Is Us," features 12 works influenced by Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory suggesting the psyche comprises of three concepts of the mind that interact and contribute to the ways in which individuals think and behave.
"The creative undertaking of this series hurt and was painful. But when I considered my audience, where a piece could go, and how someone would place it on their wall, it helped form my process and intent. Starting from somewhere, rather than 30,000 miles into space, like how some of my works are, certainly took me to a different place. These works have grown and grown, and have taken on deeper meaning. When I contemplated different themes, a lot of these works were created based on the feelings from events that we have gone through, or events that we are going through right now and are happening at the same time. For people to truly understand these works, all they have to do is open their eyes and look around themselves and the world. When I say 'this is us,' it really is us." —Reed Benson
Analyzing Freud's model, Benson's subjects characterize the id's set of uncoordinated instinctual desires including demanding behavior, sexual deviance, and unreasonable nature.
Responsible for mediating between the id and superego, Benson incorporates Freud's pleasure seeking ego, welcoming ambiguity on whether the idea that no moral right or wrong exists in the themes and topics he explores.
Viewing the self as an imaginary idea of how and who it ought to be through "the way that we look at each other," Benson's take on superego restrains the desires of the id through a moral perspective and the self-awareness of one's guilt. "This Is Us," disregards the rules of society, what is forbidden, and what is allowed, advocating for conscientious rather than practical means.
Fascinated by structure, Benson incorporates eccentric graphic portraits, vivid colors, and an innovative approach to the movement of shapes, figures, and textures through his use of brushes, stencils, acrylics, and spray paints.
"This Is Us" intertwines past and current events while exploring modern-day global, social, and economic issues. From the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the lasting effects on society from the pandemic, there is something for everyone to relate to.