Enza Benincasa
“You take delight not in a city’s seven or seventy wonders, but in the answers it gives you to questions of yours.”
Marco Polo speaking to Kublai Khan about his travels, ’Invisible Cities’ Italo Calvino p.37.
My paintings explore my connection to psycho-geography defined by the Situationist Art Group 1957-1972. “Psycho-geography; the study of the specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organised or not, on the emotions and behaviour on individuals.”
I am mesmerized and inspired by this concept. As I walk through city streets, I perform a conscious walk and reflection through the urban space. It allows me to feel the past, the present, as well as projecting thoughts of the future within the city.
I am aware of unspoken subtle energies that permeate from Historic and Modern buildings, skyscrapers, architecture, city squares, open spaces, lane ways, cranes and construction sites. I am taken in by the excitement and moods created by lights, traffic, festivals, protests, stores, coffee shops, libraries, churches and spiritual spaces. How people interact within these spaces of sunlight, shadows, sounds and smells is my concern.
My working process is intuitive, exploratory and spontaneous. I have explored aspects and theories of interconnectedness and vulnerability and the weaknesses and strengths of this combination. The imagery or elements that emerge in one work, form a catalyst for the next. My art also looks at this in terms of the human condition and the metaphysics of existence.
I work in various mediums; from extended assemblage of soft sculpture, installation, performance, multi media and painting.
Education
2007 RMIT New York study Tour
2005 Graduate Diploma in Education The University of Melbourne
2002-2004 Bachelor of Arts, Fine Art (Painting) RMIT University Melbourne
2000 Certificate in Counseling & Psychotherapy, Cairnmillar Institute
1981-1983 Diploma of Arts, Majoring in Interior Design, RMIT
1980 T.O.P Art & Design, Footscray Technical College
Awards & Scholarships
2007 MLC Acquisitive Art Exhibition Melbourne. Short Listed for Art Prize
2006 Body & Soul Images of Women Photographic Competition
Highly Commended Certificate Award for image “Great Escape”
2004 RMIT University School Of Art And Culture Winner. Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award.
2004 Siemens RMIT Fine Arts Scholarship RMIT Gallery, Melbourne. Finalist
2004 RMIT University Chapter - Golden Key International Honour Society Scholarship Award
2004 RMIT University Chapter - Golden Key International Honour Society Award.
For academic achievement, being top 15 percent of undergraduate students at RMIT University.
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