Kingdom For A Horse, an exhibition of recent work by Providence, RI-based artists Ben & Aja Blanc opens on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Casa Perfect New York. This exhibition unveils a departure from the artists’ established foundation, as they boldly push the boundaries of their expressive formal language and embrace a rich material palette that includes horsehair, clay, glass, and silver.
Renowned for their distinctive blend of stark modernity, handcrafted technique, and organic forms in their lighting and object designs, Ben & Aja Blanc present a captivating collection that reimagines vernacular objects such as tables, lamps, and mirrors as painterly, abstract creations. These works become a testament to the power of collaboration, encapsulating a profound conversation that transcends the realms of form, material, emotion, and concept.
The exhibition emerges as an unresolved dialogue rather than a singular viewpoint from either Ben or Aja individually. It navigates moments of tension and celebration, embracing a fluidity that defies gender stereotypes. It finds harmony in the delicate balance between softness and strength, simultaneously penetrating and receding. The objects themselves reflect, surround, push, and share an unmistakable language of material, form, and process with the viewer and user, inviting them to immerse themselves in the holistic celebration of artistry.
The evocative title of the show, “Kingdom For A Horse,” draws inspiration from a line in Shakespeare’s Richard III, where the protagonist exclaims, “A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!” This phrase serves as a springboard for the duo to explore the concepts of beauty, value, and worth through the process of creating their works. Kingdom For A Horse becomes a contemplation on the pursuit of capturing beauty through their combined artistic identity. From woven horsehair motifs to intricately hand-etched tabletops and gracefully cantilevered lighting, the exhibition becomes a meditation on the laborious craft and the sheer elation of realizing the majestic essence of a completed work.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring Kingdom For A Horse at Casa Perfect, New York, until June 15th, 2022. Allow yourself to be immersed in the exquisite world crafted by Ben & Aja Blanc as they redefine the boundaries of artistic expression and reveal the transformative power of beauty.