Karl Benjamin: The Pomona Years 1979-1994

This video contains Benjamin’s artistic philosophy on abstract painting and his autobiography of his artistic career. Benjamin discusses the beginning of his art career while teaching elementary school. Chamberlain discusses Benjamin’s enrollment in Claremont Graduate School and his seminal work in the exhibition “For Abstract Classicists”. Benjamin discusses the exhibition’s influence on the 1950s art world, and how critics canonized his art as “Hard Edge” painting. Benjamin discusses theory of color and painting methodology as “impulses”. He cites Dewey’s “Art as Experience” as a major influence. He also discusses critical perception of his work, particularly his relationship with Clement Greenberg and the competitive art world. Chamberlain then discusses Benjamin’s role as Professor of Art at Pomona College and Professor of Art at Claremont Graduate School. Benjamin discusses his teaching methodology and philosophy on the artistic process. The documentary ends with an announcement of an exhibition of Karl’s work at Pomona College’s Montgomery Gallery.
California Audiovisual Preservation Project (CAVPP)