Jaouad Bentama
Jaouad Bentama is a French American painter who grew up in Paris and is now based in New York. His childhood playgrounds growing up, were flea and public markets where his dad would take him. He remembers intensely the smell and visual of the second-hand object as much as the movement and energy of the crowd. All these memories left an indelible mark on him, inspiring him throughout his career.
In 2012, Jaouad moved to New York to pursue his dream of becoming an artist.
His assemblage pieces, which combined painting and found objects, gained recognition and tame, a s they tapped into the nostalgia and longing of childhood. He aimed to create a bridge between the dark complexities of adulthood and the innocence of childhood, inviting the viewer to awaken their unresolved feelings and sentiments.
Following a life-threatening accident, Jaouad's artistic journey took a new direction. He now creates abstract paintings that reflect his memories, as well as the spiritual journey he underwent during his medical recovery. His latest abstract artworks evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, leaving more space for the viewers' emotion and interpretation. Jaouad's ability to adapt and evolve in the face of adversity is a testament to his resilience and creativity.