ARTi Gallery
AGAC 2024 Top 25 Finalist - Ben Jay Crossman - The Braai Master, a Portrait of Zia
AGAC 2024 Top 25 Finalist - Ben Jay Crossman - The Braai Master, a Portrait of Zia
| Artist Name: | Ben Jay Crossman |
| Title: | The Braai Master, a Portrait of Zia |
| Size: | 900.00mm x 840.00mm |
| Medium | Oil Paint |
| Framed: | Framed |
| Price: | R9,750 |
| Artist Bio: |
Ben Jay Crossman is a world-traveling visual artist with a knack for reimagining classical master works through his bold street art chops and formal training from the National School of the Arts high school. Ben has crafted a style that blends heritage with a modern twist. Having explored over 55 countries—from California’s bustling art scene to the historic charms of Calais, France—Ben’s experiences give his work global influence but specifically in portraiture and figurative oil paintings. Ben’s work captivates and invites audiences into a world where tradition shakes hands with transformation. For the past 2 years Ben has been at home in the cradle of human kind where he continues to work on his paintings and sells his work over Instagram: @benjaycrossman |
| Inspiration: |
I have chosen to reimagine Rembrandt’s "Self Portrait with Two Circles" using Zia, my mother’s head horse groom who has been with our family for 20 years, as the model. Instead of holding an artist’s palette and brushes, Zia holds a Braai tray and tongs, symbolizing his connection to the Braai tradition. He is draped in a traditional African fabric in place of Rembrandt’s cloak, further emphasizing the blend of cultural heritage and personal history. The iconic two circles from the original painting have been extended beyond the frame, offering a modern twist while maintaining the reverence and depth of Rembrandt’s style. This piece represents both a tribute to Zia’s longstanding presence in our family and a celebration of African culture within the context of a classical work. |
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