Objective Observations: Color & Conscience
Bennett Gewirtz
In Objective Observations: Color & Conscience, Bennett Gewirtz shares his creative journey from 2016 to the present.
“Color is important to me. I see it first. It makes me take notice. It can be visceral and powerful. When combined with compositional, lighting, or textural elements, its power grows. Ordinary objects become remarkable in a painting by using scale, composition, and color.”
Gewirtz’s work is influenced by time spent in Home Depots. His paintings mash together images of objects, creating graphic, colorful, and attention-grabbing compositions. Rather than portray an exact interpretation, Gewirtz aims to create a sense of delight in the viewer through abstraction.
“I wish to express something positive, artistically serious, and perhaps a little whimsical.”
The pandemic presented a different challenge for Gewirtz. The work moved out of the retail space and focused on objects that were in his immediate surroundings. Social commentary became more important to him.
In his recent work, imagery includes plastic water bottles and litter, calling attention to overuse and pollution. He explores – through content, color, and composition – the beauty of everyday objects in relation to their immediate environment. By creating compelling images and making ordinary objects look remarkable, he aims to raise consciousness of our human impact on the environment.
About the Artist:
Bennett Gewirtz studied at the Art Students League in New York City about 12 years ago and began painting about eight years ago. A graphic designer for 35 years, he now focuses on painting and drawing. He has a studio space at Chashama in Matawan, NJ and is a member of Pro Arts in Jersey City. Gewirtz graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a BA in Liberal Arts and attended Pratt Institute for Graduate Studies. He has exhibited in group shows and juried shows around the region. Bennett lives in Marlboro, NJ.
For more information on Bennett, follow him on Instagram and visit his website.
