“G. Bénard’s self-portraits defy any notion of the ego. They operate as “non-portraits”, within which the artist is a rendered part of the form and the medium. His inexistent corporeal ego becomes subordinated to the soil of the land, the way rocks and animals do. In its primordial essence, this very same body, in all its plastic qualities, breathes an unforeseen sensuality, which, however, can in no case be described in terms of a cultural eroticism, incited by the voyeuristic gaze. On the contrary, Bénard’s images point to a natural sensuality beyond conventions, stereotypes, cultural canons and behaviour schemes. Following this, it is up to the viewer to leave social constructs behind and recognise himself as part of an unmediated nature. “

by Natasha Christia, 09