A series of six, hypnotising kinetic sculptures go on show today at an exhibition at M.A.D. Gallery in Alserkal Avenue. The pieces, by French artist Damien Bénéteau are made in monochromatic colours - black and white - and take the form of mobiles that also give the viewer an optical illusion.
A photographer by training, Bénéteau creates art dedicated to light, capturing it in a way that renders it nearly tangible.
“My work is intimately related to my background in photography,” says Bénéteau. “In this form of minimalist kinetic sculpture, I am using all I know about light to sculpt it. Much like in photography, I use light to achieve a certain optical effect.”
The outcome of his light sculpting is playful and energetic, yet full of contrast and gives a mesmerising effect.
Maximilian Büsser, founder of the gallery describes Bénéteau a dreamer and an incredible self-taught artisan. “To follow his vision of mechanical/optical sculptures, he left all behind and taught himself a whole set of new skills. His machines are one of the reasons the M.A.D.Gallery exists. His mobiles and his creative philosophy are the epitome of what we defend in our curation. We are so proud to be able to showcase his talent.”
The impetus for Bénéteau’s kinetic art came out of one of his photographic series in which white balloons were suspended in a white room lit only by a skylight. This jumpstarted the photographer’s fascination with how an object’s volume is perceived in various lighting situations. Once he added movement to the equation, the series Optical Variations was born. “I have always been interested in mechanics and machines,” says Bénéteau. “My greatest influences come from minimalist sculpture, seen in the mixture of geometric aesthetics, austerity and simplicity found in my work.”
* Optical Variations runs until April 26. www.madgallery.net
