“I’ve always thought it to be the responsibility of an artist to help restore a degree of dignity, integrity, and sense of humanity. At the core of my practice, I seek to engage, enlighten and inspire.”
Knowledge Bennett
BIO
Knowledge Bennett (b. 1976 in Asbury Park, NJ) is a self-taught multi-disciplinary visual artist whose creative journey embodies a relentless pursuit of autonomy and an unwavering commitment to amplifying the power of visual storytelling.
Bennett's artistic exploration initially focused on photography and postwar-inspired silk screen paintings, delving deep into the contemporary crises of Black existence in America. Notable series such as "Orange is the New Black," "Obama Cowboy," and the highly acclaimed silkscreen series "Cojones" catapulted Bennett to prominence within the domestic and international contemporary art scene. His thought-provoking paintings have found homes in the permanent collection of Delta Airlines, as well as in private collections across major cities in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
In his latest body of work, Bennett embarks on a departure from representational art, embracing timeless subject matters that transcend the physical form. With his captivating "Black Paintings," he invites viewers to contemplate the essence of humanity, intricately woven into the serenity of cosmological divinities. The series fosters a mindful listening experience, encouraging individuals to reflect upon their own voices and images. Bennett's artistic vision has also been showcased in popular media, including the Netflix series "#blackAF." Through his art, he ignites introspective and transcendental dialogues, engaging viewers in the healing process.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Bennett is committed to building resources and cultural assets that promote individual and collective resilience. In 2018, he founded The KNOW Contemporary, an art gallery that challenges traditional notions of creative production within the community. Currently based in Los Angeles, CA, Bennett continues to push artistic boundaries and contribute to the discourse surrounding humanity's role in shaping our world.
Artist CV
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024
No Child Left Behind. The KNOW Contemporary, Los Angeles, CA.
2021
Less is More. The KNOW Contemporary, Los Angeles, CA.
Pieces of a Man. Kean University, Union, NJ.
2020
Road to Damascus. Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA.
2019
Moment of Silence. The KNOW Contemporary, Los Angeles, CA.
2018
In Retrospect (A Look Back While Moving Forward). The KNOW Contemporary, Los Angeles, CA.
2017
Repeat Offender. Roman Fine Art, East Hampton, NY.
2016
Orange Is The New Black. Joseph Gross Gallery, New York City, NY. Influence. Virginie Barrou Gallery, Paris, France. New Works. Houston Art Fair, Ren Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
2015
New Works. Jac Forbes Gallery, Malibu, CA.
Cojones II. Guerilla Atelier, Los Angeles, CA.
2014
Cojones. Bruce Lurie Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
2013
H.N.I.C. (Head Notable In Charge). Knowledge Bennett Gallery, Asbury Park, NJ.
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023
A Love Letter to LA, PHILLIPS, Los Angeles, CA.
2022
Resilience, Eastville Museum, Sag Harbor, NY.
BLACK. The KNOW Contemporary, Los Angeles, CA.
Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Organized by The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, Baltimore, MA.
2021 Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. California African American Museum (C.A.A.M.) Organized by The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, Los Angeles, CA.
2020 Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. Washington State History Museum, Organized by The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, Tacoma, WA.
2019
Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. National Underground Railroad Center, Organized by The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, Cincinnati, OH.
2017 Galerie Virginie Barrou Planquart, Paris, France.
“Beauty of Diversity.” Gallery Guichard, Chicago, IL.
2016 "Never Said Never." Joseph Gross Gallery, New York City, NY.
2014 Gallery 212 Miami, Miami, FL.
2013
For Love of Dreams. Dax Gallery, Costa Mesa, CA.
Pop Life. Soho Contemporary Art, Soho, NY.
New Wave. Knowledge Bennett Gallery, Asbury Park, NJ.
ART FAIRS
2017
SCOPE Miami Beach, Avenue des Arts, Miami Beach, FL.
Art Pampelonne, Art Angels, Saint Tropez, France.
2016
LA Art Show, Los Angeles, CA.
SCOPE NYC, Damien A. Roman Fine Art, New York City, NY.
SCOPE Miami Beach, Galerie Virginie Barrou Planquart, Miami Beach,FL.
SCOPE Miami Beach, Joseph Gross Gallery, Miami Beach, FL.
SCOPE Miami Beach, Macaya Gallery, Miami Beach, FL.
SCOPE Miami Beach, Struck Contemporary , Miami Beach, FL.
SCOPE BASEL, Galerie Virginie Barrou Planquart, Basel, Switzerland.
Art Market San Francisco, Joseph Gross Gallery, New York City, CA.
LA Art Show, Los Angeles, CA.
Houston Art Fair, Ren Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
SCOPE NYC, Joseph Gross Gallery, New York City, NY.
Art Southampton, Galerie Virginie Barrou Planquart, Bridgehampton, NY.
2015
SCOPE Miami Beach, Joseph Gross Gallery, Miami Beach, FL.
Street Art Fair International, Siren Studios, Los Angeles, CA. Venue Tradeshow, The Reef, Los Angeles, CA.
2014
Basel House, Miami, FL.
CORPORATE COLLECTIONS AND COMMISSIONS
Delta Airlines
FILM AND TELEVISION
2023
Vice TV: Most Expensivest, Season 4, Episode 5
2020
Revolt Presents: “Anatomy of Black Art” with Revolt TV.
Netflix Series: “Black AF” Episode 3.
PRESS
2018
The KNOW Contemporary Inspires Conversation with New Show. Link.
2017
Knowledge Bennett reinterprets pop art in exhibit at Gallery Guichard. Link.
Knowledge Bennett Repeat Offender Coming to the Hamptons. Link.
2016
Knowledge Bennett Uses Pop Art To Dissect Hard Truths About Our Society. Link.
Knowledge Bennett Silkscreens American History's Horrors. Blouin Artinfo.
For Artist Knowledge Bennett Orange is the New Black. Mass Appeal.
Multiple Gems at Southampton 2016. Huffington Post.
Knowledge Bennett Use of History and Appropriation. Artsy.
Trump refueling of Chinese people in the end how you think? The New York Times.
2015
Amar’e Stoudemire’s Artful Slam Dunk in Miami. Vogue.
"Street Art Fair LA: Packed with Art and Fans. Huffington Post Arts & Culture.
First-Ever Street Art Fair comes to West Hollywood this October. Link.
Kendrick Lamar Visits Knowledge Bennett’s Art Series... Link. Knowledge Bennett Opens ‘Cojones’ Collection at Windmark Recording Studio. The Knockturnal.
Art World: Knowledge Bennett Opening 3/26 at Guerilla Atelier. TGIF Guide.
Knowledge Bennett presented by Guerrilla Atelier. CartWheel Art.
Eazy-E comes back to life with Knowledge Bennett. Link.
2014
Wreck The Tap Deck, Knowledge Bennett’s Cojones at Lurie Gallery.