Bennett is Kean University’s first artist in residence.

Knowledge Bennett (born 1976, Asbury Park, New Jersey) is a Los Angeles-based American contemporary artist. He is self-taught in the traditions of serigraphy as well as photography and is widely known for large-scale silkscreen paintings that employ pop culture iconography to re-contextualize historical narratives. His subject matter often spans cultural icons, historical occurrences, and political figures. Bennett’s visual narratives are tangential critiques of American idealism, political corruption, and systemic racial stratification. Bennett’s artistic voice fluctuates between vehement protest and deep personal introspection. Bennett’s aesthetic choices evolved in tandem with his personal growth. One of Bennett’s paintings titled “Black Excellence,” from his “Black Paintings” series, is included in the nationally touring Smithsonian exhibition Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth., which is scheduled to travel to 10 cities from 2019 – 2022. Several more of Bennett’s works can be seen featured in the wildly popular Netflix series #BLACKAF.

Proceeds from tickets will go to Knowledge Bennett Scholarship Fund—providing financial resources for students studying fine arts at Kean.

Reception to follow.