Susan Bennerstrom: Space and Light

September 2 – November 26, 2021

Artist Statement

Since the early 1980’s my passion has been the exploration and depiction of light. Structures and objects are stage sets for light with its transformative power and ability to affect emotions. Light and shadow imply the narrative and carry the emotional weight in my paintings.

Covid 19 turned everything upside down. Artists had to rethink their purpose. For me, it fueled a desire to be engulfed in space and light, and to put this feeling on canvas. The paintings represent a slowing down, and an acknowledgement of light as a way of connecting with a realm beyond the tangible and physical. Though many of the paintings in this show were made pre-pandemic, the themes of light and space have been continuous throughout my career.

After working on large paintings for months (literally no room in my studio for more) I made tiny ones for my own pleasure, several of which I’m including in this show.