BEN STEELE • NEW PAINTINGS
NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 9, 2022
Artist reception:  Friday, Nov 25, 4 - 7 pm

CODA Gallery honors one of its most popular painters with a solo exhibition and artist reception at the gallery’s 36th season celebration on Friday, November 25, from 4 pm to 7 pm.

An art history buff, Ben Steele imbues in his paintings tongue-in-cheek references to predecessors such as Leonardo da Vinci, Edgar Degas, Marc Chagall, and Jeff Koons. On many occasions, he has melded famed artists — Georges Seurat, Georgia O’Keefe, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, et al. — with crayons.

He describes his work as “realist or representational oil paintings, usually with a theme" [in addition to crayons, he favors the Etch-a-Sketch and gumball machine]. The subject matter may vary greatly, but it weaves in history and pop culture.” When asked to name his favorite artist, Ben usually says Johannes Vermeer. But (and undoubtedly more consistent with his own artistic ethos), he notes, “It’s somewhere between Vermeer and [Andy] Warhol.” “I love sampling through the past and combining things,” Ben says. “It’s like a buffet: You want to eat some of everything even if one thing is not your favorite."

Ben's work resides in several notable collections, such as The Tom and Mary James/Raymond James Financial Art Collection, Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Fred Couples, the San Francisco Giants’ executive offices, as well as in multiple Delta Airline Sky Club lounges throughout the United States.

Art lovers are invited to meet the artist, Ben Steele, at an opening reception on Friday, November 25, 4-7pm.  Musical entertainment will be provided by cellist Marc Christian, and a wine bar benefiting Animal Samaritans will feature organic wines and other beverages.