Worlds in Collision Sutra
Paul Benavidez
Paintings
Installation
July 21 - August 27, 2016
Opening Reception:
Saturday, July 23, 5pm to 8pm
"Jupiter Untitled 2016" Oil on Canvas 16" x 20" © Paul Benavidez
Gallery 525 is pleased to exhibit new work by artist Paul Benavidez. The exhibit is titled “Worlds In Collision Sutra” and consists of new paintings, drawings, and Enchanted Loom installation.
“Worlds in Collision Sutra” is a reference to the current Anthropocene epoch, defined as human influence on Earth systems and species. The title suggests that humans see themselves autonomously separated from their life support systems of planet Earth as demonstrated by their destructive technologies and behaviors affecting the very thing that keeps them alive.
The message is that humans chose to be one component and not included in, and separate from, the web of life.
The other component is Earth’s nine web of life support systems. These nine systems were created during millions of years of Earth evolution and are as follows: Ocean PH balance; Ozone protection; Freshwater systems; Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles; Land use; Climate temperature; Aerosols; Chemical balance.
Sutra references stitching and holding together a text or manual. It suggests a woven healing paradigm in the context of the Enchanted Loom - stitching and weaving humanity into one mandala - one synergistic organism. Sutra further suggests a threaded continuity of the nine systems of the web of life and the sewing and reweaving of the torn manual for sustained life. Because Sutra is also defined as a text, manual or compendium of truths we can visually and contextually thread eternal truth into the infinitely replicating Enchanted Loom installations.
Paul Benavidez, MFA, is a multi-disciplinary artist operating his studio practice in Fillmore California. He has received numerous awards and fellowships for his artwork. Benavidez uses a wide range of artistic media employing contemporary theories and practices including Public Practice. His ongoing project is “The Enchanted Loom.”
Worlds In Collision Sutra is borrowed from the book Worlds In Collision by Immanuel Velikovsky, (1895-1979).
“Worlds in Collision Sutra” is a reference to the current Anthropocene epoch, defined as human influence on Earth systems and species. The title suggests that humans see themselves autonomously separated from their life support systems of planet Earth as demonstrated by their destructive technologies and behaviors affecting the very thing that keeps them alive.
The message is that humans chose to be one component and not included in, and separate from, the web of life.
The other component is Earth’s nine web of life support systems. These nine systems were created during millions of years of Earth evolution and are as follows: Ocean PH balance; Ozone protection; Freshwater systems; Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles; Land use; Climate temperature; Aerosols; Chemical balance.
Sutra references stitching and holding together a text or manual. It suggests a woven healing paradigm in the context of the Enchanted Loom - stitching and weaving humanity into one mandala - one synergistic organism. Sutra further suggests a threaded continuity of the nine systems of the web of life and the sewing and reweaving of the torn manual for sustained life. Because Sutra is also defined as a text, manual or compendium of truths we can visually and contextually thread eternal truth into the infinitely replicating Enchanted Loom installations.
Paul Benavidez, MFA, is a multi-disciplinary artist operating his studio practice in Fillmore California. He has received numerous awards and fellowships for his artwork. Benavidez uses a wide range of artistic media employing contemporary theories and practices including Public Practice. His ongoing project is “The Enchanted Loom.”
Worlds In Collision Sutra is borrowed from the book Worlds In Collision by Immanuel Velikovsky, (1895-1979).
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Worlds in Collision Sutra” is surprisingly more about a workable future for life than about colliding into destruction and oblivion. It is about LOVE and for every action there is a reaction - that the gateway to a workable future for the individual and collectively, is LOVE. Action with LOVE creates a reaction with LOVE. It is the only sustainable model. Worlds in Collision Sutra is about waking up metamorphosed and taking flight as the butterflies in the Enchanted Loom suggest. It is about humanity fusing into itself and becoming the sexy essence it is meant to be. Sexy is about passion for all life and dispersing goodness, vivacious potentiality and joy to everyone that graces your presence regardless of the circumstances. Sexy is about the arousal of LOVE in oneself and the Universe.
Oh, mystical tantalize me
Seduce and excite the being to become
Anoint our breath with ‘A LOVE SUPREME’
Dissolve us into LOVE MEDITATIONS
Oh, mystical we await our ‘GIANT STEPS.’
Worlds in Collision Sutra is about the relational synergy that is waiting for the 'US' to begin and the dissolution of ‘THEM.’ We are one family, the Earthkind family, to be protected and cared for in the name of LOVE. Without ONE there cannot be the MANY.
This exhibit was conceived through GRACE because its conception occurred in the presence of the divine cycle of life. Leslie Carson’s memorial was about a life spirit dedicated to promoting a sexy humanity. This show is dedicated to her life as a healer of us all as John Coltrane taught through his music ‘A LOVE SUPREME.’
Be IN LOVE!
Thank you Ron Merkford!
Pablo Melvin Benavidez
www.paulbenavidez.com
“Worlds in Collision Sutra” is surprisingly more about a workable future for life than about colliding into destruction and oblivion. It is about LOVE and for every action there is a reaction - that the gateway to a workable future for the individual and collectively, is LOVE. Action with LOVE creates a reaction with LOVE. It is the only sustainable model. Worlds in Collision Sutra is about waking up metamorphosed and taking flight as the butterflies in the Enchanted Loom suggest. It is about humanity fusing into itself and becoming the sexy essence it is meant to be. Sexy is about passion for all life and dispersing goodness, vivacious potentiality and joy to everyone that graces your presence regardless of the circumstances. Sexy is about the arousal of LOVE in oneself and the Universe.
Oh, mystical tantalize me
Seduce and excite the being to become
Anoint our breath with ‘A LOVE SUPREME’
Dissolve us into LOVE MEDITATIONS
Oh, mystical we await our ‘GIANT STEPS.’
Worlds in Collision Sutra is about the relational synergy that is waiting for the 'US' to begin and the dissolution of ‘THEM.’ We are one family, the Earthkind family, to be protected and cared for in the name of LOVE. Without ONE there cannot be the MANY.
This exhibit was conceived through GRACE because its conception occurred in the presence of the divine cycle of life. Leslie Carson’s memorial was about a life spirit dedicated to promoting a sexy humanity. This show is dedicated to her life as a healer of us all as John Coltrane taught through his music ‘A LOVE SUPREME.’
Be IN LOVE!
Thank you Ron Merkford!
Pablo Melvin Benavidez
www.paulbenavidez.com
