Benna Holden

The subject of my work is often where the sky and water meet. Born and raised in Long Island, NY, the Atlantic coast is where I feel most at home. Frequent visits to the beaches of Fire Island provide me with an endless source of inspiration. In my process, I push the boundaries of realism into abstraction, focusing on the energy of a place rather than its literal representation. In doing so, I invite viewers to reflect on their own personal experiences through my work.

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My abstract works are an exploration of the emotions stirring within me. Central to my intuitive process is the theme of inner peace. I aim to create layered works that capture a mix of despondency and tranquility -- feelings that define my soul. The colorful patterns I employ offer a visual manifestation of my belief that all people are universally connected. This idea is beautifully encapsulated in the poignant lyrics, “We share the same biology regardless of ideology." These words, even more resonant today than they were nearly 40 years ago, continue to influence my creative journey.

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I live and work in New York City and studied at the Art Students League of New York. I held a residency at Trestle Gallery in Brooklyn, NY and since exhibited my work through...

The Art Students League of New York

2025: Group Exhibition, Stars In The Arts, New York, NY
2023: Group Exhibition, Islip Arts Gallery, Bay Shore, NY
2022: Superfine Art Fair, New York, NY
2021: Solo Exhibition, Trestle Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
2020: Group Exhibition, Ground Floor Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
2019: Group Exhibition, Trestle Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
2019: Group Exhibition, La Bodega Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
2019: Group Exhibition, Greenpoint Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
2019: Group Exhibition, Trestle Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
2019: South Brooklyn Open Studios, Brooklyn, NY
2018: Solo Exhibition, The Apthorp Building, New York
2018: Lobby Exhibition, Lincoln Towers, New York
2017: Group Exhibition, Chaffetz Lindsey, New York
2017: Solo Exhibition, Kalib & Kalib, New York
2017: Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery, New York
2016: Solo Exhibition, Kalib & Kalib, New York
2016: Gifts of Art, National Arts Club, New York
2016: The Conference Board, New York
2016: Solo Exhibition,Pottery Barn, New York
2016: Benefit for NYC's Homeless, New York
2016: Solo Exhibition, Squire Patton Boggs, New York
2015: Solo Exhibition, Squire Patton Boggs, New York
2015: NY International Arbitration Center, New York
2015: Clothesline Art Fair, Guild Hall, East Hampton
2014: A Natural Affair, Linu...