Perspectives by Ben is the art photography studio founded by Belgian surrealist photographer Benoît Theunissen, living in Germany.
With a diverse background in humanities, social sciences, and economics, Benoît brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to his art, merging the real and the abstract through photography, collage, painting, and text.
A journey of diverse inspirations
Over the past decade, Benoît has explored a wide range of professional paths, including journalism, editorial work, and business diplomacy. These experiences now fuel his artistic endeavours, serving as a rich wellspring of inspiration. His creative process blends digital and analogue techniques, capturing both the ephemeral and the tangible through photography, collage, composite imaging, AI creations, and digital painting. Each piece conveys a multidimensional perspective of his subjects through a process of constant experimentation.
Bridging the real and the abstract
For Benoît, art unveils hidden perspectives, bridging the real and the abstract. While his work is often grounded in figurative art, he frequently shifts into abstraction, intertwining the two realms to reveal new dimensions of reality. His background in journalism, and his sensitivity to the power of words, enrich his practice. Benoît carefully integrates poetic prose, reflective meditations, or informative texts into his visual work, inviting viewers into deeper contemplation.
Rooted in the everyday, inspired by the surreal
Benoît's artistic universe is rooted in the everyday, drawing inspiration from the mundane details that spark his creative process and lead to a sense of wonder. Influenced by Belgian surrealism (especially René Magritte), abstract expressionism, cyberpunk aesthetics, glitch art, and Jungian archetypes, he navigates dreamlike worlds with a deep appreciation for both the surreal and the abstract.
Connecting cultures through art diplomacy
Based near the ancient city of Trier, Germany, the scenic landscapes of the Mosel Valley provide an ideal backdrop for Benoît’s creativity. His location within the Greater Region—encompassing parts of Germany, France, Luxembourg, and Belgium—reflects his aspiration for international artistic collaboration. For Benoît, art is a form of cultural connection, bridging communities, and territories in what he calls art diplomacy.
An ever-evolving artistic approach
Characterised by an open-minded, nonconformist spirit and a can-do attitude, Benoît lives by two mottos: "Where there's a will, there's a way" and "Help yourself, and Heaven will help you." His autodidactic approach to art is constantly evolving, shaped by his experiences and encounters along the way.