Benjamin Cabral
Benjamin Cabral is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in San Diego, CA. His work has been shown internationally and throughout the United States. Benjamins work was selected for a public sculpture commission by the City of San Diego's Arts District. A painter by training, Benjamin’s work is largely autobiographical in nature, creating an honest, yet inherently unreliable, portrait of the artist. Benjamin’s recent paintings are entirely encrusted in beads and rhinestones. These paintings are conceived digitally, and the pixels are then transferred to the panel through the meditative application of beads. These works examine the intersections between trauma and nostalgia, joy and sorrow, and the digital and the analog. Benjamin also creates sculptural work, intended to be static performers engaging with viewer. Benjamin completed his MFA at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, and is the winner of the 2019 Carrie Ellen Tuttle Fellowship
Collect Bean: What does growth mean to you?
Benjamin Cabral: To me, growth signifies life! It’s the power to change and evolve and not stagnate. There’s an exciting uncertainty in not being sure of the outcome of growth. In that sense, growth is an adventure.
Collect Bean: If you had to describe your work in only three words, what would they be?
Benjamin Cabral: Cute, emotional, rock star (sometimes girliepop)
Collect Bean: What does an ideal day in your studio look like?
Benjamin Cabral: Obviously, an ideal studio day requires lots of drinks. An iced coffee for energy, a Diet Coke for sanity, and a jug of water for health (duh). Sometimes music, but usually audio books. I love listening to people talk while I work; it makes the studio feel less lonely.
Collect Bean: What is the kindest thing someone can tell you about your work?
Benjamin Cabral: Probably that it made them stop and think.
Collect Bean: Where are you currently finding inspiration?
Benjamin Cabral: I used to be influenced by things I would see on my phone, but now that feels so 2023. Right now, I’m all about finding inspiration in my surroundings and experiences.
Collect Bean: What does your painting process look like from start to finish?
Benjamin Cabral: I usually start by making a digital drawing on my iPad , which I then paint onto a wooden panel. And then the fun part starts gluing down hundreds (probably thousands) of beads.
Collect Bean: If you could be in a show with any artist, who would it be and why?
Benjamin Cabral: Probably Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch. Their work at the 2013 Venice Biennale was the most influential piece of art I have ever experienced.
Collect Bean: How does where you grew up influence your work?
Benjamin Cabral: I grew up in San Diego, and I have always been super influenced by amusement parks and the experience-based economy. I love thinking about SeaWorld, especially as a location of beautiful, formative memories that coexist with deep institutional suffering. The dichotomy is fascinating and has always been an essential thread within my work.
Collect Bean: What role does color play in your practice?
Benjamin Cabral: I love color!
Collect Bean: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Benjamin Cabral: Go to Law School. Or become a doctor. (Just kidding!!!!!)
Collect Bean: What is one of your current goals as an artist?
Benjamin Cabral: Right now, I really just want to continue showing my work, inspiring people, and hopefully someday educating the next generation of artists!
