Debuted on June 8th and on display until July 8th, In My Room, pays homage to the Beach Boys’ song with its title.
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In My Room at Venus Over Manhattan
There's a world where I can go,
Tell my secrets to,
In my room.
–The Beach Boys
Benaroya encountered her first source of inspiration, Tom of Finland, during her undergraduate education at MICA. Finland’s work includes unrelentingly erotic sketches, highlighting the most bulging, rippling, proudest form of the Gay male depiction. His work marks a turning point, being one of the first artists to create a space for the erotic genre.
Soon after, Benaroya discovered Karl Wisrum's alternative take on art history at the RISD Museum. Wisrum utilizes the distortive line art, bold color palettes, and caricaturistic humor associated with comic art as a means to contribute to the art historical conversation.
In combining these inspirations, Benaroya arrived at her niche: A series of works that allows for queer representation to enter a space that the traditional, hypermasculine form dominates. It’s humorous, flamboyant, bold and elegant all at once. In a way, it’s androgynous, but in the sense that it combines the utmost of femininity and masculinity into one.
Together Apart, a Metaphor on Change
Within the pages of Together Apart, a carefully curated selection of photographs portrays moments of both connection and disconnection. Portraits, body shots, still life, and landscapes invite us to explore the intricate tapestry of human existence. As we navigate the images, a recurring motif emerges — the skin — a powerful symbol representing the intersection between our inner selves and the outside world. It serves as both a boundary and a point of contact, reminding us of the complex relationship between society and individuality.
The Ritsch Sisters have approached the composition and arrangement of their work with a playful and unconventional mindset. The photographs are thoughtfully juxtaposed, alternating between vibrant and muted colors, as well as between color and black-and-white images. This deliberate interplay mirrors the dynamic nature of society itself, capturing its kaleidoscopic essence. Like a mesmerizing dance, the photographs flow seamlessly, drawing us into a realm where boundaries are blurred and perceptions transformed.
But Together Apart extends beyond the confines of traditional artistic presentation. The book embodies its title’s essence, embracing a unique and interactive design. Nestled within its pages are two separate book blocks, offering readers the opportunity to explore parallel narratives or delve into each block individually. This ingenious format invites us to playfully engage with the photographs, forging our own connections and interpretations. It emphasizes the duality of togetherness and separation, reminding us that even in isolation, we are part of a greater whole.
The curator, Carmen Lael Hines, adds her insightful analysis to the mix, drawing inspiration from the works of Roland Barthes. Hines unravels the tension and tactile nature of the images within Together Apart, highlighting their ability to transcend conventional boundaries. These photographs become more than mere stills — they become catalysts for personal and emotional responses. Through Hines' lens, the series becomes a vibrant tapestry of multi-layered dialogues, a testament to the power of visual storytelling.
Beyond its aesthetic allure, Together Apart grapples with profound questions that touch the core of our human experience. It is a meditative exercise, an invitation to ponder the ways in which memory, organization, and lived experiences shape our perception of the world. As we immerse ourselves in the pages of this captivating book, we embark on an introspective journey, encouraging us all to embrace the perpetual dance of change.
Ben Ganz, Object and Image Designer
What is your ideal office?
I’m good as long as I have some tables, my library, and good Internet.
What was the first art form that you felt drawn to?
Music.
What is your most prized possession?
A signed photograph of Zinedine Zidane my dad gave me on my 9th birthday.
Who would you choose to write your life story?
JR Moehringer.
Which weather phenomenon best embodies your personality?
The blue hour.
What is the hottest color? Which disgusts you?
Sky-blue is the hottest. Teal, I hate.
Which medium outside of your own do you find most intriguing? Music, because it is the most intuitive.
Which song would play during the opening credits of the Ben Ganz biopic?
“Temptation,” by New Order.
What is the most beautiful body of water you have ever seen?
Lake Lucerne around sunset.
What was the most useful piece of advice you were given around your practice?
The one advice that is the hardest to follow: 'learn how to say no.’
Who is the youngest person you trust?
My nephew Felix. He’s only three months old, but acts trustworthy, so far.
Do you have any rituals in your studio?
Team lunch and browsing the library.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
Guardian app and double espresso.
What was the last thing you stopped to take a picture of?
A cute Bernese Mountain Dog puppy I saw in a store.
What excites you most about technology?
Faster prototyping.
