Artist Statement:

I use editing as a method to both define a narrative as well as realize it. The initial creation, whether film, drawing, or painting, provides a palette of material, energy source, and foundational structure for me to work back into, thus developing, refining, and discovering what I desire out of the piece. I feel most free allowing my brain to take in and interpret visual information I have already accumulated, and then build the story from there. I am fascinated by the infinitely complex, unique algorithm the brain develops based on physical, emotional, and other personal experiences to form ideas and connections between seemingly unrelated or abstract elements.  Using both painting and video, I force visual elements together compositionally that may not have a direct correlation on their own. Doing so helps me find an intriguing and often subconscious relationship, creating a narrative that I couldn’t have conceived of beforehand.

Artist Bio:

Benett Holgerson (B. 1997) is a filmmaker and painter from Madison, Wisconsin. He received his BFA at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), majoring in Painting and minoring in Filmmaking.

He has received recognition for his film “Close Up”, which was selected for NewFest 2021, Out on Film, Venice Shorts, and San Francisco Indie Shorts. His short film Prairie Girls was selected for NoBudge, Midwest Film Festival, and Austin Comedy Film Festival.

Benett has displayed his paintings in shows in New York, Baltimore, Wisconsin, and Osaka. Benett currently lives and works in Madison, Wisconsin.