Benjamin Gardin

Benjamin Gardin

Benjamin Gardin, born in 1991 in Bruges, is a Belgian painter and sculptor, living and working in Koekelare. With a background in both applied sciences and fine arts, Gardin possesses a unique combination of technical expertise and artistic vision. He earned an SE-AD in composites, coatings, and substrates and studied at the J&A Institute for Fine Arts and Design.

Gardin draws inspiration from photographs and film footage he gathers from archives and books, as well as from his own photos and drawings. His work is further influenced by architecture and parametric designs. These diverse influences form the foundation of his distinctive style, which manifests in sober figurative and aesthetically monumental artworks, often executed in acrylic, corten steel, and polyester.

In 2015, Gardin made his debut with the exhibition “A Young Vision on the Great War,” where he presented paintings that highlighted lesser-known stories of World War I. His recent contribution to the exhibition “Onzichtbaar landschap” (2023-2024) confirmed his reputation as an artist who explores complex themes.

Gardin’s artistic philosophy revolves around “the other story.” He focuses on unspoken, forgotten, and hidden aspects of historical events and human experiences. Using a psychological color palette, he aims to evoke deep emotions and create a greater impact with his figurative work.

His first sculptures were made from EPS foam, laminated with fiberglass and polyester. His technical training introduced him early to polyester, revealing the sculptural possibilities of this material. Today, he also creates bas-reliefs with composite resin and bronze powder, as well as corten steel sculptures for public spaces.

Currently, Gardin works as an assistant to Mohritz Bergen on “The Monitor Man,” an ambitious project that stems from ten years of collecting images from newspapers and magazines. This project includes a book and a series of paintings under the name “Archive Series,” which explore a world within the human brain.

In addition to his personal art projects, Benjamin Gardin is the founder and manager of Spectrum Artefact, a company specializing in artistic creations and lacquer finishes. His work combines technical and artistic elements and continues to evolve through ongoing exploration and innovation.

Benjamin Gardin continues to push his artistic boundaries, always seeking new ways to combine his vision and techniques. His work reflects a deep dedication to understanding and rethinking the human experience.