Show me the Benji

Haleh Mashian

Mixed media on canvas

72 x 72 x 3 in

“Show Me The Benji” by Haleh Mashian presents a striking exploration of urban attitude and the complexity of identity. The composition centers on a solitary figure clad in shades of magenta and black, set against a textured backdrop of grayscale bricks. This gritty environment contrasts sharply with the vibrant clothing, amplifying the subject’s defiant posture and direct gaze. The use of thick, layered paint emphasizes the rawness of the scene, inviting the viewer to ponder the intersection of wealth, power, and individuality implied by the title.

Mashian’s technique highlights the tension between vulnerability and strength. The exaggerated angles of the figure’s limbs and the expressive use of color suggest both rigidity and fluidity, capturing a moment of contemplation or confrontation. The textural quality of the brick wall, with its repetitive, almost claustrophobic pattern, reinforces themes of entrapment and resilience. Meanwhile, the subject’s yellow-tinted skin tones introduce an otherworldly aspect, challenging traditional representations and urging the viewer to reconsider perceptions of beauty and power.

“Show Me The Benji” stands out for its ability to merge abstract expressionism with elements of street art. The juxtaposition of the figure’s assertive pose against a fragmented urban backdrop serves as a commentary on survival and self-expression in modern society. Through this work, Mashian continues to explore the dynamics of power and the courage required to assert one’s identity amidst the chaos of contemporary life.