Benny Bing | That's 5

Art is a funny thing. There are no right and wrong answers. Each person’s experience when they come across a piece of work that moves is right. They are also wrong. They also don’t matter. If you think that is confusing try being Benny Bing who firmly ensconced in a corporate career and in the early stages of a love that not only cemented into a marriage for the ages, it informed a career turn into a world with no rules. No lifeline. And worst of all no instructions. 

Like I said, funny. It takes a particular sense of humour and luckily for the world Benny is fucking hilarious. He took all of those constraints and hoisted them onto his eager shoulders and dove headfirst into a world that didn’t want people of colour to say what they want, how they want and where they want. It didn’t matter because he had no idea what he was doing. He took a simple gift from his newly crowned mother‑in‑law and created a world that has become central to this new Canadian Black Art Renaissance that we are starting to see come out of the pandemic. His smile, like his story, will embrace you in that warm feeling you get when you see a real good one succeed. 

Who art tho mon ami? 

I’m a self-taught contemporary artist, born and raised between Nigeria and Canada and currently residing in Toronto. Art has always been in my life, my dad was a photographer by trade and I was always amazed at how he could capture emotion and beauty in his subjects. I formally began my creative journey in 2015 after receiving acrylic paint as a gift. Little did I know that this marked the beginning of something very special. 

Describe your work?

The best way to describe my work is Blackness personified. My work explores ideologies of Blackness and beauty all while creating an open space encouraging dialogue on gender equality and identity. It is informed by and emerges from places where social and cultural experiences intersect and give voices to Black women who are often erased or overlooked. My work is very vibrant and colourful, color is very important to me. As a black artist, my work not only celebrates colour ‑ literally and figuratively ‑ but also explores how we connect with emotions stimulated by it. your biggest art inspiration 

Some of the more canonized ones꞉ Elizabeth Catlett, Barkley Hendricks, Alberto Giacometti, Ernie Barnes, and Charles White. I think I’m also very influenced by my peers and friends, who are finding their footing in the art world in diverse and creative ways.

You just launched a really powerful partnership with Roots Canada. How did that happen?

I am very particular about who I collaborate with, and I was intrigued when the creative team at Roots reached out and asked if I would be interested in collaborating on a limited edition release. I love Roots’ craftsmanship, and I respect their core principles based on respect, appreciation of people, and supporting communities. I approached the project from the deep desire to celebrate blackness, our resilience and honour our self‑determination. I have always felt that fashion is one of the most influential spaces to confront negative narratives about identity. We created an iconic awards jacket and fleece crew sweater which will be released on Feb 25th. The collaboration is a testament to the greatness that emerges from art and fashion collaboration. 

Your favourite brand/art collab that you didn’t do?

It would definitely have to be the Amoako Boafo and Dior collaboration. 

What’s missing from the Canadian Art scene?

Diversity. We need more inclusion and representation on the gallery and institutional levels. Although efforts have been made to be more inclusive in the last few years, I don’t believe they are enough and more needs to be done. There are more stories that need to be told to help change the conversation and create a multi-vocal narrative. 

Favourite Meal? 

My favourite meal is hands down is Oxtail with rice and peas and a full serving of fried plantain. 

Nike or Adidas?

Nike all day, errday!

@bennybing | Benny Bing Official Website