Lithograph by BEN, Vicious Circle, 1980s

Lithograph by BEN on tarpaulin

Numbered 26/50

1986

100 x 100 cm

Ben, whose real name is Benjamin Vautier, is one of the most influential artists of the
Fluxus movement in the 1960s. Born in 1935 in Nice and died in 2024, he
adopted a radical and anti-conformist approach to art very early on.

Known for his provocative performances and repurposed objects, Ben has profoundly marked the history of contemporary art through his rejection of conventions and traditional artistic institutions. His works are part of a conceptual and minimalist approach, aiming to question the very definition of art.

Among his most iconic pieces are his "Signatures," where he affixed
simply his name on everyday objects, thus challenging the notion
of originality and authority. Its "Boxes" contain instructions for use
Ordinary objects have also contributed to its fame.

One of Ben's most iconic series is his "Signs" (or
"Word-Paintings"). These are works made up of simple words or phrases painted on
wooden or cardboard supports. These texts, often provocative or reflective,
They address themes such as society, culture, or identity. For example, one can
cite signs with inscriptions such as "Everything is art", "The void is full" or
again, "God does not exist." These messages, both simple and impactful, invite the
prompting the viewer to question the very nature of art and social conventions.
The rudimentary and spontaneous nature of Ben's writing, bordering on illegibility, gives his works a unique dimension, halfway between gra昀케ti and drawing. This
A deliberately raw aesthetic reflects his commitment to an anti-
academic of art.

Using writing as his primary medium, Ben seeks to challenge the
traditional codes of art, to challenge conventions and stimulate reflection on
spectator. His written works thus perfectly embody his subversive spirit and his
desire to redefine the boundaries of artistic creation.