Spanish artist Carlos Luis Benavente creates compelling sculptural paintings of ocean waters and the creatures who reside within, linking expressionism and abstraction in new and concrete ways. While his images in some ways respect the form of what he is depicting, he simultaneously creates textures and layers that delve beyond reality and move into an otherworldly realm. The resulting paintings are not only visually stunning but emotionally stirring for the viewer, who is able to reconnect with the familiar watery depths that are part of our natural world. Benavente works with oil painting, mixed media, and collage, as well as textiles, allowing him to develop rich textural terrains. The dimensionality of his paintings brings his aquatic subjects to life, instilling a sense of movement and depth. Compositions are fluid and dynamic, as opulent colors swirl across the canvas. Forms are spontaneous and instinctive, reflecting the ever-changing underwater landscapes found within the ocean’s depths.
Carlos Luis Benavente currently lives and works in Leon, Spain.