María José Benvenuto is a Chilean visual artist who has found in Australia a space of inspiration and freedom to expand her work. From her studio, located near North Head National Park, her abstract brushstrokes explore the relationship between the subconscious, the natural environment, and the energy of color and movement. In this interview, María José shares her artistic journey and the piece she will present at the Chile Sentido exhibition, a reflection of her profound connection between Chile and Australia, two worlds that have influenced her identity and her art.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR STORY, AND HOW YOU GOT INTO THE WORLD OF ART.
My name is María José Benvenuto, I am a visual artist from Chile, but I have been living in Australia for six years. From a young age, I was always surrounded by creative stimuli; my Italian and Spanish heritage, along with my connection to nature, have always been important sources of inspiration. However, it wasn’t until I moved to Australia that I felt my artistic practice truly came to life in a freer and more expansive way.
I live near North Head National Park, which allows me to work in an environment full of energy and natural beauty. My abstract works reflect precisely that freedom and energy that I find both in nature and in my artistic process. I believe art has the power to connect different memories and places, and that’s something I try to capture in every brushstroke of my collections.
HOW WOULD YOU DO DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE OR APPROACH?
My approach to art is highly intuitive, based on movement, color, and composition. For me, every creation is a dialogue between the conscious and subconscious, between what I see in my surroundings and what I feel inside.
My style is deeply abstract and based on intuition, movement, and color. I have always believed in the freedom of the creative process, which is why my works are gestural, with controlled yet energy-filled brushstrokes.
My approach is founded on the dialogue between the conscious and subconscious, allowing each brushstroke to find its place organically. Nature is my greatest source of inspiration, which is reflected in the compositions and energy of my works, as shown in my current exhibition "Nature's Pulse" in Dubai, where I explore the natural vibrations of the environment around me.
Spontaneity and flow are at the heart of her art. For María José, painting is a deep reflection of her inner state. This freedom in creation allows her work to come alive naturally, enveloping the viewer in an almost meditative experience.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE PURPOSE OF YOUR WORK?
The purpose of my work is to invite the viewer to experience a deep connection with nature, color, and energy. Each piece seeks to convey a sense of movement and freedom, almost as if they were memories of landscapes or moments stored in the subconscious. Through the use of vibrant colors and gestural forms, I want people to feel the intensity of the moment in which they were created, that flow of energy that drives me to create.
HAVE YOU HAD INFLUENCES FROM OTHER ARTISTS AND/OR ARTISTIC MOVEMENTS?
Yes, I’ve had important influences. Jackson Pollock is one of the artists who has most impacted my work, especially with his focus on movement and the energy of his brushstrokes. I admire how he managed to capture rhythm and spontaneity in each piece. Another artist who has influenced my work is Joan Miró, for his use of symbolism and the way he plays with colors, creating his own language. Both artists have influenced how I use my body to express myself on the canvas, especially in large-format works, where I can work more freely and completely.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT PROJECTS.
One of my most recent projects is the exhibition "Nature's Pulse", currently on display at the Leila Heller Gallery in Dubai. This series explores the relationship between the energy of nature and gestural movement in the creative process. I’m very excited to share this collection because it represents a deep and personal work about the connection with my natural environment in Australia.
Additionally, I’m preparing a new exhibition that will be presented in November at the M Contemporary Gallery in Sydney. This new project continues to explore the freedom of gesture and intuition, but with a renewed focus on the dialogue between color and space, bringing together natural elements and memories in the composition.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR WORK OF YOURS THAT HAS IMPACTED YOU MORE THAN OTHERS, AND WHY?
Large-format works, in general, are the ones that impact me the most because that’s where I feel most free. It’s in that space that I can fully express the energy of the body, moving the brushstrokes with an intensity that’s not always possible in smaller formats. The physical act of painting on a large scale allows me to connect more deeply with the work, using the body as a tool to transmit energy. Although all my works have a special meaning, those where I can let go and be guided by the size and space are the ones that allow for more complete expression.
The Work at the Chile Sentido Exhibition
WHAT WORKS WILL YOU BE PRESENTING AT THIS EXHIBITION, AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THEM?
At the Chile Sentido exhibition, I will present a single large-format piece. This piece is filled with movement, color, and strength, reflecting the duality and tension of living between two countries, Chile and Australia. It is a work that explores the feeling of being divided between two worlds, where the landscape and culture of each place intertwine in the composition. The piece seeks to capture that emotional swing of belonging to more than one place, but also finding balance and harmony between the two.
IS THERE A STORY BEHIND ANY OF THE PIECES THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
The piece I’ll present at Chile Sentido consists of vibrant brushstrokes over a background of black and white stripes, visually representing the tension between two opposing realities. The black and white stripes symbolize the duality I feel between my two homes: Chile and Australia, which are completely different places, both culturally and in terms of landscape, but somehow have come to coexist in my life.
The colorful strokes over this background represent the vibrant energy and constant movement in my life and how I try to find balance between these two worlds. The colors are a manifestation of freedom, of how, despite the tensions and differences, there’s always a possibility for harmony and creation. These strokes also reflect my creative process, intuitive and fluid, which sometimes clashes with more structured and rigid limits, like the black and white lines of the background.
In the end, the piece is a reflection of how life and art intertwine, mixing structure and freedom, black and white with vibrant colors, and how these apparent contradictions can coexist harmoniously.
María José’s life is marked by two opposing realities, Chile and Australia, and her work reflects that tension and multicultural richness. The emotional intensity of this duality is expressed in vibrant colors and gestural movements, inviting the viewer to dive into this exploration of belonging and balance.
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS EXHIBITION?
I hope that through this piece, the exhibition will deeply connect with the audience. I want them to feel the energy, tension, and freedom I try to convey through the movements and colors of the work. I hope people who have experienced migration or being divided between two worlds can see themselves reflected in the piece and feel that emotional connection.
LOOKING BACK ON YOUR CAREER, WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT MOMENTS FOR YOU AS AN ARTIST?
One of the most significant moments in my career was when I had the opportunity to move to Australia. This change not only influenced my personal life but also had a profound impact on my artistic practice. Being surrounded by a completely different landscape than what I was used to in Chile allowed me to see the world in a new way and explore different forms of expression in my art. Setting up my studio near North Head National Park has been a constant source of inspiration, and that intimate connection with nature has been key in my development as an artist. This change also gave me the opportunity to take my art to an international level, which has been a milestone in my career.
HAVE YOU FOUND ANY NOTABLE DIFFERENCES IN THE ART SCENE HERE COMPARE TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY?
Yes, there are definitely notable differences between the art scene in Australia and that of Chile. In Australia, I feel there’s a greater openness towards abstract and contemporary art, which has allowed me to explore my practice more freely. Additionally, I find a strong connection between art and nature here, something that has deeply inspired me. In Chile, the scene is smaller and more traditional in some aspects, although it’s constantly evolving. However, my Chilean heritage is still an important part of my artistic identity, and I try to bring those cultural influences into my work in Australia. Both places have enriched me in different ways, and I think that’s reflected in my works.
WHAT ARE YOU NEXT PROJECTS OR GOALS IN YOUR ARTISTIC CAREER?
One of my next major projects is an exhibition at the M Contemporary Gallery in Sydney, which will take place in November. This show will be a continuation of my exploration of color, energy, and movement, themes that have been recurring in my work. In the long term, one of my goals is to continue expanding my international presence and further explore how cultural and geographical tensions can influence my art. I would also love to continue creating large-format works, as that’s where I feel I can express myself most freely.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EXHIBITION?
Participating in this exhibition is a great opportunity for me, not only as an artist but also as a member of a broader community. It allows me to share my vision and work with people who may not have known my art before but who can feel connected to the emotions and stories I express in my pieces. This exhibition is a way to explore my roots and my multicultural identity, and I’m excited to present a piece that encapsulates my experience of living between two countries, with everything that entails.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTING WITH THE CHILEAN COMMUNITY IN AUSTRALIA THROUGH ART?
Connecting with the Chilean community in Australia through art is very meaningful to me. It’s a way of keeping my roots alive and sharing an important part of who I am with others who may be experiencing similar journeys. Art has the power to bring people together, and I believe that by sharing my work, I can offer a platform for others to reflect on their own identity, culture, and sense of belonging in a new place. For me, it’s important that art not only be a means of personal expression but also a tool to create bonds within the community.
This openness towards abstract art in Australia has given María José a space where she can explore with greater freedom. While her Chilean heritage remains an integral part of her artistic identity, the Australian art scene has nurtured her creative boldness, allowing her to experiment with new forms and concepts without feeling constrained by traditional expectations.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTINUE BEING PART OF THESE GATHERINGS? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMUNITY?
Yes, I would love to continue participating in gatherings like this one. I believe that as artists, we have a responsibility to share our experiences and connect with others who are on similar journeys. One idea I have is to create a series of workshops or talks where Chilean artists in Australia can share their creative processes, discuss the challenges they’ve faced, and offer advice to those starting out. It would be a way to support each other and continue strengthening our cultural and artistic ties within the community.
FINALLY, WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIVE TO THOSE ATTENDING THE GALLERY?
My message to those attending the gallery is to allow themselves to feel the energy and emotions I’ve poured into this piece. The work I’m presenting is a reflection of my journey between two worlds, full of contrasts but also of beauty and balance. I hope people can connect with that feeling of being between two places and find in the work something that resonates with their own experiences. Enjoy the piece and let yourself be carried away by the movements and colors!
HOW CAN PEOPLE INTERESTED IN YOUR WORK FOLLOW YOU OR GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?
People interested in following my work can do so through my website www.mariajosebenvenuto.com, where they will find more information about my collections. They can also follow me on Instagram at @mariajosebenvenuto, where I share creative processes, new works, and news about my upcoming exhibitions.
María José Benvenuto’s work is not just a manifestation of color and movement, but a profound reflection of her life between two worlds. In the Chile Sentido exhibition, her piece invites us not only to contemplate the beauty of abstract art but also to feel the tension, freedom, and energy that emanates from her migratory experience. We invite you to discover her work and immerse yourself in this powerful exploration of identity, culture, and nature. Don’t miss the chance to see her piece in person and connect with one of the most vibrant voices in contemporary Chilean-Australian art!
Comments