Thalia Cinema
Symphony Space

MARIO BENJAMIN

US PREMIERE

In Haiti, his country, Mario Benjamin is the leader of the Contemporary Art. Invited to take part in major events all over the world, he acquired an interna- tional stature. But who knows him apart from the small milieu of professionals? The Western media are ethnocentric like the market of art. This film explores his powerful, magical, and disturbing works.

His house is a Baroque Installation; it recalls his artistic course and introduces us in to his inner world. Besides his singular talent, Mario Benjamin has another characteristic: Manic depression. During his fits, he reaches perceptions that some artists seek by the use of drugs. Around an exhi- bition which took place in Port-au-Prince in June 2008, this charismatic man shares his thoughts with us, on his work, the art and the difficulty in being an artist in a Third World country.

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Sunday, November 29 @ 5:30PM
Thalia Cinema, Symphony Space