Artist Statement

I was led to becoming an artist through a spiritual quest that began when I was a child and crystallized in the late 1990’s. I never consciously intended to paint. I have always been intensely fascinated by the innermost workings of the universe, both physical and spiritual. Finding keen similarities between the vastness of the expanding cosmos, freedom of mind and consciousness, I often imagine myself as a space traveler.

Being an artist propelled me onto a new path of self-discovery, gratitude and self-love. I have learned to value deeply the “individual within myself”.

I see myself as an emotional spirit in constant motion and mutation.

I create artworks using several media. Oils & acrylics on canvas or paper. Pencil, watercolor & pastels on paper. Thirdly, I use photography & digital art to create works combining all media at my disposal. I call this process Aquadigigraphy. I create compositions in both abstract and figurative perspectives.

I typically work from a drawing, which is then scanned and printed on paper. I use materials such as watercolor and Japanese inks. I paint from inner visions and intense emotions.

Magic and virtuosity

Any work of art is an optical illusion that aims at accurately reflecting the emotional and psychological state of the viewer. Naturally, the artist is also included in this process. This is a secret, because a work of art only exists when it is seen. It is the same for the spectator; he himself only exists when he appears in front of the art piece. In any case, when he examines and discovers this magic, the individual becomes "potentially" more conscious of who he is and what he feels deep inside.

Conversely, he can also stay on the surface and see very little. He can remain comfortable inside his own mental assessments. Little does he know that he's appraising himself as much as the work he's witnessing. We change every single second of the day...

Art is an astonishing mirror — skillfully articulated by the artist — so that the viewer can observe himself as he is and draw his own conclusions with his own observations. He needs the safe illusion of thinking he's looking at a work of art, when in fact, he's beginning to be interested in himself at a level, unfamiliar or unknown to him prior. He or she can thus explore his own psyche in complete privacy, without realizing it or be embarrassed at what he discovers or sees. Eventually, it becomes clear.

Consequently, to me, art is an occult science, and anonymity or invisibility, a great skill. Well disguised and sheltered from prejudice and ignorance, the artist is concretely the skillful and talented psychiatrist of the world. The narrative has been conquered by politics, morals and religion. Seers are slowly disappearing.

To me, medium and technique are subordinate to idea. Art is only a means of transport, so the ideas can be seen in a new language, regardless of the medium. It thus becomes the differentiated language of the unique expression of the artist.

When I am no longer preoccupied with mundane thriving and surviving, I am free to express my true potential.

Philippe Benichou