Sunday, November 29 @ 5:30PM
Thalia Cinema, Symphony Space

MARIO BENJAMIN
US PREMIERE
In Haiti, his country, Mario Benjamin is the leader of the Contemporary Art. Invited to take part in major events all over the world, he acquired an international stature. But who knows him apart from the small milieu of professionals? The Western media are ethnocentric like the market of art. This film explores his powerful, magical, and disturbing works. His house is a Baroque Installation; it recalls his artistic course and introduces us in to his inner world. Besides his singular talent, Mario Benjamin has another characteristic: Manic depression. During his fits, he reaches perceptions that some artists seek by the use of drugs. Around an exhibition which took place in Port-au-Prince in June 2008, this charismatic man shares his thoughts with us, on his work, the art and the difficulty in being an artist in a Third World country. By Irene Lichtenstein, 2008, Switzerland, 53min, documentary in creole and French with English subtitles. Showing with Deliverance -The Art of Ben Jones

7:00PM A PAINTING JOURNEY
Panel Discussion
Ben Jones, Artist
Mario Benjamin, Artist
Jane Steuerwald, filmmaker
Irene Lichtenstein, filmmaker
Karen Arthur, filmmaker
Thomas Neuwirth, filmmaker

PANEL FOLLOWED BY A CLOSING RECEPTION

Part of A PAINTING JOURNEY
On Sunday, November 29, join us at Thalia Cinema for a day of screenings and
discussions dedicated to the exploration
and celebration of the world of painters