DANIEL BENAYUN

Through art I explore and reconstruct the hyperbolic idealism of mid-twentieth century advertising and design. Popularized by the likes of LIFE Magazine, I transfer these sentiments to a parallel universe of my own creation, with textual construction and figurative imagery, oftentimes containing metaphors and splashes of humor. Found ephemera, books and posters serve as points of inspiration. These are translated into advertisements for entirely imagined products, rendered in opaque, water-based paints to evoke the bold colors and sharp textures associated with mid-twentieth century commercial design. With paint and brushes I visually attempt to reset the thread of time, installing myself as the creator of an anti-capitalistic zeitgeist that resurrects the wonder and intrigue of print advertising.

Website: danielbenayun.com
Instagram: @daniel_benayun_

ARTIST Q&A

Born: Jerusalem, Israel
Currently lives: Jamaica Plain, MA

Title of artwork: Tootsie West

What’s it about? Tootsie West’s composition was inspired by the wrapper design of the Tootsie Roll Pop. I have long admired it’s cluttered layout. In my painting Tootsie West is the woman in the center reading in a meditative pose. Tootsie is surrounded by scenes depicted in the book she is reading. I wanted to depict calm and mindfulness in a way I relate to personally. There is nothing quite like reading outdoors.

Where else can we find your work? 13 Forest Gallery

Where do you find your inspiration? Anselm Kiefer, Henry Darger, Louise Bourgeois, Andy Warhol.

If you could invite one person to dinner (dead or alive) who would it be? King Gilgamesh

Favorite Season? Spring

What was the last TV show you binge-watched? G.L.O.W.

Favorite place to eat in Allston/Boston? My kitchen.

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