Through Adversity This New York-Based French Artist Found A Way To Deepen And Transform His Work

According to the legend of the phoenix in Greek mythology the phoenix bursts into flames and then rises from the ashes to be reborn anew. As the author and philosopher Deng Ming-Dao, writes, "Whether we remain the ash or become the Phoenix is up to us.”

Jaouad Bentama at workPhoto byCourtesy Jaouad Bentama

In many ways prolific artist Jaouad Bentama experienced that quandary. A contemporary artist born in Paris to Moroccan immigrant parents he was gaining a name for himself, exhibiting his work throughout the city of lights. Then Bentama moved to New York City in 2012 and was starting to establish prominence in the New York art work with his pieces that merged painting with found objects and delved into nostalgia and the complexities of childhood.

“Creating art is a tumultuous journey, but it's an integral part of myself,” he says. “It's a source of happiness, sadness, inspiration and vulnerability, and it's this mix of emotions that makes creating art so powerful and meaningful to me.”

Then In January, 2021, when riding his scooter in Tulum, Mexico on a road in the heart of the jungle he felt his scooter was slipping from under him. Normally this kind of accident results in a few scratches. "However, right behind me was another motorcycle with two passengers who ran me over and rolled on top of me, shattering my entire ribcage," says Bentama. "I went from a moment of absolute tranquility to a tragedy where I ended up half-dead in the middle of a road."

What followed was intensive surgery, days in a coma and prolonged journey of recovery. During this difficult time, Bentama experienced not only deep physical pain from his injuries, he also suffered emotionally and entered a period of doubt and fear. Still he managed to create and paint. "The works from this time capture the chaos, confusion and vulnerability I went through," he says.

But as he embarked on his healing he realized the importance of healing within. He turned his thoughts to reflection, meditation and self connection. He saw the trauma he experienced as a opportunity to reconnect with himself as an artist. He went deeper within connecting with his art in a new abstract way combining painting and objects.

In addition to feeling utterly grateful to be alive, Bentama’s work draws inspiration from the world of childhood. “It's based on the idea of catharsis, mobilizing the terrifying figures of one's childhood in the service of a possible sublimation,” he says.

“In this way, stuffed animals, objects and images that recur in my paintings, evoke a troubling, sometimes dark imaginary journey that awakens the viewer's ambivalent emotions,” he says. As he sees it his work expresses his rebirth as an artist and man.

Jaouad Bentama before one of his paintingsPhoto byCourtesy Jaouad Bentama

“The works in this phase depict the joy, hope, sadness and excitement I've rediscovered through my dedication to my art,” says Bentama who has exhibited his work at Sotheby's Institute of Art, the Peninsula hotel New York and he has a sculpture installation at The World-trade Center titled Resilience.

“I’m exploring new perspectives, new inspirations through work on chaos and heartbreak,” he explains. He describes his piece, L'Art de Renaître" as a celebration of life and the human capacity to overcome adversity. “Through this series of works, I hope to inspire others to find strength in difficult times and embrace the rebirth that can result from embracing suffering and creativity,” says Bentama.

Also, he hopes that his work takes the viewers on their own introspective journey. As he explains, “Everyone can be summoned to their own childhood story, and revisit the path of growing up.”

Jaouad Bentama's painting entitled "Chaos"Photo byCourtesy Jaouad Bentama

Jaouad Bentama shared more.

Jeryl Brunner: How did the accident change you and your art?

Jaouad Bentama: I addressed the intense emotions I felt during this difficult period, the physical and emotional pain, as well as the doubts and fears that arose. The works from this phase captured my chaos, confusion and vulnerability that I experienced.

Jeryl Brunner: What prompted you to move from Paris to New York? And what has life in New York brought you?

Jaouad Bentama: Travel is in my blood. My parents left Morocco for France in search of a better life. When I was a child, going from family life to school was a journey in itself, with different landmarks and representations forging my identity. Today, I live in New York, a land of immigration where the journey is around every corner. It speaks to me intimately. And that's why I love this city so much and why it shapes my path as an artist.

I've been in New York since 2012 and I'm also an American citizen. New York is a cosmopolitan city where artists and creative people from all over the world rub shoulders. The city's cultural diversity can be an endless source of inspiration, offering unique perspectives and varied influences to enrich my artistic vision.

Jeryl Brunner: So many people would like their art to be exhibited, as you have done in very prestigious venues. For people who dream of being artists but don't feel confident or that they have the resources what would you advise?

Jaouad Bentama: The art world can seem unforgiving, with fierce competition, financial barriers and constant challenges.Also, the artistic journey can be tumultuous and unpredictable. Accept that complicated moments and doubts are an integral part of the creative process. Let yourself express your emotions through your art, even if it means plunging into the darkest aspects yourself.You may be surprised at the strength and beauty that can emerge from these inner complexities.

Jeryl Brunner: What would you say to your younger self?

Jaouad Bentama: I'd tell him that art is a never-ending adventure. Also, art is self-expression. So give free rein to your creativity, to what you are deep down, both dark and light. Plus, enjoy the journey, be open to the opportunities that present themselves, and above all, have fun. And don’t forget to live!

Jeryl Brunner: How does creating art make you feel?

Jaouad Bentama: As a painter, each canvas is a unique expression of myself and my perception. The emotions involved in creating art can be intense, but they help to nourish and enrich the artist's experience, making painting a profound journey.

However, it's also essential that I deal with emotions that can become too overwhelming. Art can be a light in the darkness, but it's important not to be overwhelmed by its darkness.

Jeryl Brunner: What is your dream in five years' time a what would you like to be doing?

Jaouad Bentama: My desire is to continue to grow as an artist, to share my vision through my art and to have a positive influence through my creativity. I'm determined to pursue my artistic path with passion, dedication and perseverance to achieve these goals in the years to come.

The reality of the art world can be cruel, and I aspire not to be overwhelmed by the self-doubt and isolation it can bring.

A painting in Jaouad Bentama's series called Déchirure, which is the French word for ripped.Photo byCourtesy Jaouad Bentama

A painting in the Ripped seriesPhoto byCourtesy Jaouad Bentama

Jaouad BentamaPhoto byCourtesy Jaouad Bentama