Bio

Painter, curator and performer living and working in Somerset. Having graduated with a BA in Fine Art from UAL, Central Saint Martins in 2022, Bensons' work explores the intersections of feminism, grief, and environmentalism. Drawing inspiration from the Somerset landscape, her abstract painting practice reflects the liminality of the landscape.

She is a member of Hatch Art Collective in Langport and curated their recent immersive exhibition Death & Microwaves Oct 2022. She is also the host of monthly Spoken word nights at her studio. Benson had her first duo show, The Woods Echo Out to Us, in October 2022 at East Quay, Watchet. The show explores how we connect with the woodland, and whether empathy can be its own form of environmental protest. Elaoise Benson was awarded the Kate Barton Prize for Painting in 2022 and has exhibited across the UK including in London, Bristol, Exeter and Sheffield.

Project

The In-Between As my practice develops, I’m exploring the relationship between artist and the environment; and I would like to explore how my writing and painting practices could combine. Previously I've used ecological elements in the surfaces of my paintings, using soil, pressed flowers and leaves. Taking this into a new context I’d like to continue experimenting with found materials. I would explore the ecological landscape, learn about the geography, flora and fauna; and sketch and write about my experiences. I hope that stepping out of my comfort zone will broaden the conversations I can have with the viewer moving forward. Writing will be crucial in building a relationship with the residency's site and history. And getting to know the community will be informative in my process. I expect my relationship with the land to change over the course of the residency. I do not wish to leave the same artist as before. And I hope that my contribution will also leave a positive impact.