Artist in conversation: Benedikt Berndt
Benedikt Berndt is an artist with a background in several creative fields, including design, photography, and performance. He is based in Berlin and mainly working with computer-generated imagery, used in a multimedia context. His research-based work and concepts often invite us to reflect on the present by illustrating the future.
Follow Benedikt here.
- Welcome to The Holy Art. Tell us a little bit about your self and your practice!
I am at home in Berlin, and I am working mainly with computer-generated imagery. Often in a multimedia context. I find it interesting to merge two naturally different things into something new and see what kind of contrasts or symbiotics can emerge from this. I’d also say that my work is quite concept-focused. I want to communicate rather than just creating visually pleasing aesthetics. I find it always very interesting to see how other artists do their research and how they implement it in the final piece.
- Where did you learn your art? Have you been formally trained?
I started my studies at a small art university in 2015 and later on changed to a design school where I finished my bachelor's in communication design. My first contact with computer-generated images had been in my studies, but most of it I taught myself. It is a never-ending learning process.
- Have you been working on anything new recently?
I’m currently experimenting with new software to improve my workflow. Simultaneously I am working on a new series that deals with the dependence of nature and technology in the future.
- What are your thoughts in regards to the virtual exhibitions? Are they here to stay?
Virtual exhibitions became a very interesting addition to physical ones, especially during the pandemic. Obviously, if not for the circumstances our world has found itself in over the past year, it would have taken much longer to explore in this direction. I think they're very appropriate for art that's created digitally, and they're here to stay. It fits the medium in some cases even better than physical exhibitions. Although I don't think they're quite as suitable for art that is created physically, outside of digital spaces. Therefore it also needs to be experienced physically, in my opinion. I feel like virtual exhibitions are just about to develop real potential. Along with improving technology, especially in VR, I think they're definitely about to become something great.
- What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
Don't limit yourself to just one practice or technique that you feel comfortable with.
