Release, Inflatable forms, invisible ink, UV lights, writing prompts, 2022, Size of installation will vary based on the space. Each inflatable is 40 inches tall

Ben Quesnel deconstructs and distorts objects from his everyday experience to explore the meanings attached to them and to reevaluate these meanings with fresh insight. By deliberately placing these objects in unexpected ways, Quesnel creates a sense of bewilderment, challenging certainties and confronting preconceptions. This process also serves as a means for him to navigate life transitions by appropriating the familiar. Throughout his work, there is an underlying theme of imaginary play evident in the substitution of objects, mismatching, and creation of fictional narratives. These unconventional arrangements evoke a range of emotions from playfulness to morbidity, sometimes blending both as he delves into autobiographical and social themes. Recently, Quesnel has focused on the concept of "play" within his work, exploring how it can foster discovery and self-care. Transitional objects, therapeutic toys, and participatory games have become integral to his exploration. His pieces often invite viewer engagement and participation, activating the work and allowing it to exist in a state of impermanence, interpreted variably through different forms and narratives.

Ben Quesnel is a multimedia artist and educator based in Stamford, Connecticut. Quesnel has recently exhibited at Art Miami, the IFPDA Print Fair in New York, and Art Port in New York. He holds an MFA from the School of Visual Arts, where he was honored with the Paula Rhodes Memorial Award and the SVA Thesis Grant. His work has been featured in Bmore Art, Gothamist, Hampton’s Art Hub, Hyperallergic, and The New York Times. Recently, he received grants from the State of Connecticut and the National Foundation for the Arts to produce a traveling public art installation. He is a partner and curator at ART06870 in Old Greenwich, CT.

https://www.benquesnelart.com/

@Benqart