Guest artist will be featured in Hanchey

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will host an exhibition of work by artist Ben Bennett entitled “Form Home to Here” Oct. 1-23 in Gallery 2 in the Fine Arts Annex. Bennett is a BFA candidate at University of Louisiana-Monroe where he is focusing on studies in sculpture.  Many of the pieces in this exhibition are a part of Bennett’s “Heritage as Process Series.”

“This body of work is a symbol of genealogy and heritage,” Bennett explained.  “One piece inspires an entire series in my mind, and immediately becomes the patriarch or matriarch of a family–a group of sculptures.  The hierarchies within each group are documented using the de Villiers/Pama System, which numbers members of a genealogy.  Each ‘family’ shares characteristics that serve as a metaphor for heritage.  For example, the repetition of a certain pattern, or line quality could represent systems of thought, dialect or profession.”

Bennett said creating with the knowledge that a piece will be included in this body provides for it a destination.

“Creating for this destination allows me the opportunity to address and process my qualms and observations on issues I have faced being raised in the Deep South such as race, intolerance, religion, faith and community,” he said. “By personifying the finished pieces and projecting these themes on the, I am able to create for myself a metaphysical community in which I can play out and reflect upon the process of life.”

Regular gallery hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.  Bennett’s work will also be on display during special NSU Homecoming viewing hours:  8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.