Nov. 9 reception for artist Lee Benson exhibit "Immortality 10,000 Years"

An artist reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9 for the Lee Benson exhibit “Immortality 10,000 Years” in Schoenherr Gallery.

Complimentary refreshments will be served at the reception in the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. The exhibit closes Sunday, Nov. 11.

In his exhibit, Benson explores time and immortality in his mixed media sculptures. He asks, “What is time? Why do we often revel in the fact that it gives us existence, but then we also rail against the fact that we are locked in it? Why does it seem to be so fleetingly existing while at the same time physically present always? Is there ‘I’ after I cease to exist in my current state?”

Benson’s collection of work examines methods by which humans seek to become immortal and challenges some of those methods as unworthy of human beings. It also develops themes of genetic, spiritual and theoretical approaches of transcending life into existence in an immortal state.

Benson is a professor of art, sculpture/ceramics at the Union University in Jackson, Tenn. He works mainly in large-scale architectural forms and monolithic narratives, which allow him to explore color, form and narrative by drawing the viewer into a psychological and emotional dialogue with the work. In the past five years, Benson has incorporated a figure narrative to his forms with intention to focus on the essence and purity found at the heart of many narratives but often obscured by decoration.

For gallery hours or to learn more about the exhibit, contact Nickole C. Lanham, North Central’s gallery director, at 630-637-5375 or nclanhammurray@noctrl.edu.

Art, art history and art education are among more than 55 undergraduate majors offered at North Central College.

Navistar is underwriting sponsor of North Central College’s 2012-2013 Fine and Performing Arts Season. The season is partially supported by USG Corporation and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.