Darla Rae Barry Benson (dr2b) is a socially focused multidisciplinary artist who lives and works in Seattle, WA. The majority of her work can be categorized as contemporary happenings that promote self-expression and the exchange off-kilter experiences. Benson’s most recent work Ode to Colorforms explores new territory, specifically the roll of artist and viewer as editor.

In the series Ode to Colorforms, which includes the two pieces below, Benson asks viewers to become participants, finalizing her color washed canvases by choosing the placement of her movable creations. The viewer determines the placement of each supplied object within the picture field, sampling the spatial decisions that an artist makes when creating work. Benson’s primary inspiration for this series is rooted in her nostalgia of the popular American toy Colorforms that were developed in the 1950s by two New York City art students[1]. Her reference to Colorforms adds a stylistic whimsy, encouraging even the least eager viewer to play, explore and create.

giraffe beetle, Ode to Colorforms (2010)
8” x 8”
magnets, acrylic paint, acrylic paper and canvas

the chair, Ode to Colorforms (2010)
6” x 6”
magnets, acrylic paint, acrylic paper and canvas

[1] Carolyn Said, “Colorforms still popular after 60 years,” San Francisco Chronicle(May 29, 2011)