Ben Benedict: Variations in Landscape – Exhibition & Book Launch

Ben Benedict, Along Middles County Road 14, Diptych, 2018, acrylic and willow stick on paper, 44w x 30h inches.

London Fine Artist Ben Benedict Presents Variations in Landscape: An Exhibition and Book Launch at TAP Centre for Creativity

September 1 – 12, 2026
Opening Reception & Book Launch: Thursday, September 3, 2026, 6 – 9pm
TAP Centre for Creativity, London

Art Catalogue
Variations in Landscape, 2025. Published by Ben Benedict & Benedict Creative Communications. London, ON. ISBN 978-1-0697976-0-5

London fine artist Ben Benedict presents a critical exploration of the landscape genre. Benedict draws upon the history of art making in Southwestern Ontario as a bricoleur (mixed media artist) working in the London Regionalist tradition. Presented at TAP Centre for Creativity, artworks range from small, intimate scenes to large masterworks. The exhibit is accompanied by a book launch featuring a critical essay, in which Benedict draws a historical line from Homer Watson (1855–1936), through the Group of Seven, to the London Regionalists, and finally inserts his efforts into this lineage of original Ontario artists.

The book is a 164-page, limited edition of 500: an art catalogue of the original July 2024 exhibit at the Satellite Project Space in London, Ontario. It features acknowledgements; a land acknowledgement; an introduction by Dr. Madeline Lennon, Professor Emerita, Visual Arts Department, Western University; and a critical essay by London fine artist Ben Benedict—Variations in Landscape: An Artist’s Journey. It also includes 19 copyrighted images from earlier regionalists, 47 original exhibition artworks, a curriculum vitae, and a bibliography, along with an original work of art reflective of Benedict’s 30+ year career as a professional writer and visual artist.

Ben Benedict, Clearcut 2020, 2022, hand hewn logs, acrylic, astroturf, and staples on board, 36w x 48h x 5d inches.

“My artistry is constructed from a wide range of materials,” says Benedict, “and draws upon my experiences and memory, as well as the vast history of art-making. My focus is on the process of exploring, and in this case, those efforts are focused on landscape, following in the footsteps of other regionalist artists.”

From the book: “My goal is that [the artworks] can be experienced ‘conceptually, kinetically, and visually’ in ‘dynamic modernist languages’ and that they appear ‘authentically ecological.’ That these images are more than ‘just a place on the map.’ They are authentically produced as a result of ‘self-reflection and critique’ from ‘personal and local experiences‘ for the most part, and are a ‘phenomenon’ and ‘interesting objects‘ in themselves. Within this journey there is growth also, as a person, an artist, and in the dialogue moving from images of the land to engaging critically with landscape’s ideological and semiotic construction.” (page 30)

This is the third stop on a tour that included the Homer Watson House & Gallery in Kitchener, May 27 – July 12, and the King Heritage & Cultural Centre in King City, July 14 – 26.

Additionally, Mr. Benedict appeared in four juried exhibitions this summer, including Be Creative, Be You, Be All In at Nelson Park Creative Centre (Toronto Pride), where his sculpture Dandy (2021) received second prize. Juror Steve Rose wrote, “Great simplicity and elegant execution, a very sophisticated piece. Astonishing symbolism of the original use and word for faggots. (The bundle of sticks) [used] to burn heretics, homosexuals, witches, etc. Powerful and though-provoking tinged with heartbreak of cruelty and hatred in history.” The other exhibitions include the 5th Annual Uptown Pride Exhibit at The Women’s Art Association of Canada (Toronto Pride); 35th Annual Pride Art Show at TAP Centre for Creativity (London Pride); and Creative Dissent at Ground Floor Arts in Guelph, August 5 – September 6.

Ben Benedict, Fiesta Costa Rica, 2020, acrylic and collage on paper, 24w x 18h inches.

About the Artist

Ben Benedict is a recognized independent professional visual artist, curator, writer, cultural leader, and social justice activist in the London area, with a growing career. As a bricoleur (mixed-media artist) working in the London Regionalist tradition, his artistry, experiences, and creativity are informed by memory, object relations theories, semiotics, and structural linguistics, including the use of deconstructed materials and narratives.

In 2020, he received Research & Creation Grant funding from the Canada Council for the Arts for his solo exhibition, Faggot & Other LGBTQ2+ Stories, and was awarded the Canada Pride Citation from the Chief of Defence, National Defence Canada for his sacrifice and service to Canada, making him a decorated veteran. Reflective of these efforts, Benedict was the keynote speaker at Forest City Gallery’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2023. He has also received London Arts Council and Exhibition Assistance grants from the Ontario Arts Council. Visit BenBenedict.ca for details and additional images.

Quotes

“I admire how hard you work to get all your images licensed and of top quality.”
– Marcia Lea, Executive Director, COVA-DAAV (Copyright Visual Arts)

“I finally had the time to read your wonderful essay. It’s so comprehensive and illuminates the Regionalists in the context of landscape so well. It’s full of tidbits I didn’t know and it was a pleasure to learn from you through this paper!”
– Esther Vincent, daughter and copyright holder for Bernice Vincent

Ben Benedict, Costa Rican Drive-by, 2020, acrylic and collage on paper, 24w x 18h inches.

Full Exhibition and Book Launch Details:

Homer Watson House & Gallery, Kitchener, ON
Completed May 26 – July 12, 2026
Seven new ‘en plein air’ paintings and one palette painting created to date.

King Heritage & Cultural Centre, King City, ON
Completed July 15 – 25, 2026
Staff (2026, July 16). Exhibition opens at King Heritage & Cultural Centre. King Weekly Sentinel. P. A10

Tap Centre for Creativity, London, ON
September 1 – 12, 2026
Opening Reception: September 3, 2026, 6 – 9pm

For more information and media inquiries contact:
Ben Benedict, BFA, M. Comm. (Artist)
Benedict Creative Communications
519-432-5089
info@bcreative.ca
BenBenedict.ca

Sandra De Salvo, Executive Director
TAP Centre for Creativity
519-642-2767
info@tapcreativity.org

TAP Centre for Creativity
203 Dundas Street
London, ON N6A 1G4
www.tapcreativity.org

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 5pm