Maura Bendett: Vespid Empire

Edward Cella Art & Architecture is pleased to announce a solo exhibition entitled Vespid Empire, featuring new works by Los Angeles-based artist Maura Bendett. In this new body of work, Bendett continues her investigation of painting, sculpture and the ground that lies between. Throughout her career, Bendett’s work has always found the edge between these two art forms, whether as painterly wall hanging sculptures or broken up sculptural paintings.

In Vespid Empire, Bendett forms an outgrowth of previous work using the same metal understructure, or skeleton, to create multifaceted three-dimensional and volumetric forms. Bendett builds onto these metal armatures using museum board, cement, acrylic, hot glue, and glass to produce natural yet alien shapes not unlike the heavily eroded rock formations found in Arches National Park.

Bendett’s practice is intuitive and spontaneous in nature, resulting in works that are uniquely her own. Though visually they hint at modernist influences, the works rest solidly within the contemporary. The modernist leanings are emphasized by the bases created by designer Kamal Sandhu, and individually crafted to reflect the works they display.

The LA-based Bendett has participated in numerous museum exhibitions including shows at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Santa Monica Museum of Art; Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas; Pomona College Museum of Art; San Jose Museum of Art; Kansas City Art Institute; Arizona State University Art Gallery; COCA, Seattle. Recent exhibition include a solo exhibitions at Roberts & Tilton Gallery, Los Angeles. Bendett currently teaches at Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA and Otis College of Art & Design, Los Angeles, CA.

Special Exhibition Events:
Maura Bendett and Paul Gillis Artists Talk
Saturday, June 7 at 4pm
Please join Gallery Director Carl Berg and the artists for an informal tour of their respective exhibitions, offering insights into their work.