June 22, 2015
Marcus Benavides/for PhillyVoice
View Marcus Benavides' unique exhibit "Too Close for Comfort" at Art Star.
Local printmaker Marcus Benavides is getting up close and personal with his latest exhibit. "Too Close for Comfort," opening at Art Star on Saturday, June 27, is a series of woodblock prints that, when seen separately appear abstract.
In reality, the prints that will line Art Star's gallery walls are all macro views of a larger piece; they show smaller parts of the whole. The larger woodblock piece will be on display as the final part of the show, creating a surprise new image for guests.
Benavides explains it best when he writes, “Macro views of objects tend to abstract textures and patterns located within. Thus, distracting the viewer from what they are actually looking at. The extreme close-up can then distort your perception of reality. This perhaps can stand as a metaphor for many things; but, for the purposes of this art show, it represents an inability to accurately view the world. It is a hyperbolic, satirical statement about a problem that I, if not society, in general, may have.”
The exhibit set-up will force viewers to interact with each piece individually but also as a whole, creating a unique gallery experience. "Too Close for Comfort" will be on display through Sunday, August 23. An opening reception for the exhibition will be held Saturday, June 27.
This summer, Art Star will host a new craft bazaar in Asbury Park on Saturday, July 25. Click here for more details.
