Artist Interview | Benjamin Siegenthaler
Benjamin Siegenthaler is a Swiss Artist. He grew up in the countryside with vast landscapes, then moved to the city of Zürich as a young man. His art similarly travels between two poles: between spacious installations and intricate paintings; between raw sculptures and witty collages. Currently he continues his work in Hemsedal, Norway. He works with conventional and easily obtainable resources in a structured and meticulously planned manner, and with a passion for detail. Since starting as a stone sculptor, he has since expanded his interests into painting and building scenographic works. To refuel his energy, he playfully creates collages as well.
I always carry a sketchbook with me, in which I outline small objects. I gave them the abstract but euphonic name Rugla Swepum. Thirty-six of those scribblings I scaled up on aluminum boards.
I believe we find beauty in life the more we are able to see and enjoy the whole picture — extremes and everything between. My hope is that viewers will see the various works in Rugla Swepum as an opportunity to examine their own lives. In the paintings, elements intertwine, occasionally squeezing themselves in and cutting structures apart. Layer lines up with layer. Color sets itself apart from color. A new form arises, a new contrast, a shape made of fragments. Together they all add up. Together it is not round, not whole, not simple. It is more than that — it is complete. In life, some things simply cannot be intertwined. They remain paradoxical, broken, unconnected, next to each other… and yet when viewed altogether, they are still whole.
Independent & Image Art Space: What are the critical milestones in your art career?
Bejamin Siegenthaler: For a long time, I had a big challenge to call myself an artist and to believe that everything is possible. I took the challenge to leave my comfort zone and the security to go after an ordinary job. Instead, I chose to spend more time in my studio. To believe in my dream to live as an artist and to get confident in my choice to pursue it, is my biggest milestone so far.
Independent & Image Art Space: In front of the current pandemic, how do you think art can do for our world, community or family?
Bejamin Siegenthaler: I feel sorry for all the fear that comes along with the pandemic. In my opinion artists have a great responsibility in the current time. We are called to create hope in our works and empower people to speak up for their rights and not give up. We also have to ask good questions who lead to the ability to think differentiated.
Independent & Image Art Space: In the new year of 2021, do you have any plan for your art creation?
Bejamin Siegenthaler: I’m starting in to the new year with exciting projects. Three-dimensional concrete sculptures in combination with large scale paintings. The visual language of the work will be inspired by the amazing nature that surrounds my new home in Norway. Whereby the content shall address the tension I perceive when I look out from my safe place in to a chaos.
