Ben Quilty's 'Devil/God' Exhibition Challenges Masculinity and Power
Australian artist Ben Quilty makes his New York solo debut with 'Devil/God', an exhibition that explores masculinity, power, and ecological collapse
The world of art is about to get a wake-up call with Ben Quilty's upcoming exhibition 'Devil/God' at albertz benda in New York. This exhibition is Quilty's New York solo debut and it is set to challenge the status quo.
Introduction to 'Devil/God'
The exhibition takes its cue from Arthur Conan Doyle's 1928 short story 'When the World Screamed', where Professor Challenger drills into the Earth to prove it is a living organism. Quilty uses this premise to explore the world's ecological collapse and the systems of power behind it.
Quilty's expressionistic language is turned towards climate change, colonial violence, religion, and masculinity. His heavily impastoed paintings are a testament to his unique style. Cars, a recurring motif in his work, become symbols of male pride and aggression. They appear in place of heads or are distorted to absurd proportions, making a statement about the world we live in.
Exploring Masculinity and Power
At the center of the exhibition is Quilty's persistent subject: masculinity. He resists easy distinctions between victim and perpetrator, beauty and brutality. Beneath the slashing brushstrokes, mutated bodies, and menacing forms are flashes of tenderness and innocence. This positions the work somewhere between anger and empathy.
One of the pieces features a carved figure of the Virgin Mary made from alternating layers of leather and plywood. The materials reference straps historically used to punish children in church schools, transforming a familiar religious icon into an ambiguous figure of comfort, complicity, and violence.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition 'Devil/God' is on view at albertz benda in New York from October 15 through November 14, 2026. The gallery is located at 515 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001.
For those interested in exploring the world of art and challenging their perspectives, 'Devil/God' is an exhibition not to be missed. With its unique blend of expressionistic language and thought-provoking themes, it is set to make a lasting impact on the art world.
The details of the exhibition are as follows:
This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in art, ecology, and social justice. With its powerful themes and unique style, 'Devil/God' is set to make a lasting impact on the art world.
