Benjamin D Rinehart

Biography

Benjamin D. Rinehart specializes in multimedia images with a strong focus on printmaking, book constructions, painting and drawing. His socially charged work is a part of many public and private collections and has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Ben is the founder of 'SnarkArt,' an artistic organization devoted to the practice of making art and education, where he has taught drawing, painting, printmaking, book arts and web design. Ben received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Herron School of Art and a Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Painting and Printmaking at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. He has taught in New York & New Jersey at Pratt Institute, Rutgers/Mason Gross School of the Arts, Long Island University, Fordham University, FIT, the Center for Book Arts and Manhattan Graphics Center. He has continued to teach as a visiting artist at various institutions around the country like Pyramid Atlantic, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Brookfield Craft Center and San Francisco Center for the Book. Ben is the author of a new book titled, 'Creating Books & Boxes.'

Artist Statement

I invoke physical & mental images of the male figure to explore life inside and outside of a queer community compared to a more rural community. My work directly relates to relationships, attempting to raise questions about love, insecurities, social injustices and values in contemporary society. I attempt to direct the viewer's experience with tactile, visual, emotional, and psychological responses. Bitter and sweet colors bring the viewer into playful surroundings while dense layers emulate a thick skin suggesting strength and resilience.

Growing up in the Midwest, family and society never encouraged 'gay behavior.' I knew that my secret would never be fully accepted into mainstream society and seen as 'normal.' Throughout the years I have realized that being 'normal' would make me anonymous. My own personal determination to be an individual has driven me to seek within myself and others the unique qualities that we all possess.

- Benjamin D. Rinehart

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