Ben Kikuyama
“In this age of increasing globalization, diverse groups, societies and cultures not only interact, but inform and influence each other. Through the advent of the internet, we are crossing boundaries in ways we have never done in the past. Identities are being shifted and negotiated in unique and often, surprising ways. Images, ideas and thought processes are continually being merged and fused in dynamic and provocative ways. My work explores and reflects on some of these interactions.
I use a vast array of sources and materials over a support structure that combines painting and collage techniques. Often, the elements used seem to oppose or contradict each other. Some of these are: man-made vs. organic; abstract vs. representational; graphic vs. painterly; low-brow vs. high-brow; vintage vs. contemporary; primal vs. classical; and aged/tarnished vs. pristine.
I am also intrigued by the notion of things broken or damaged and then repaired. The scars, the remnants of the damage, are very compelling to me. It is very satisfying to be able to take found detritus, discovered “stuff” whether they be materials, images or ideas, and create something new and beautiful.”
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