BENEDICT&BENJAMINS

BENEDICT&BENJAMINS by MARKEL is an enigmatic piece that calls upon ancient symbolism while reflecting the complexities of contemporary society. This work, bold in its visual execution and intricate in its narrative depth, explores timeless themes of wealth, power, and morality, inviting the viewer to become an active participant in its interpretation. In this art, MARKEL masterfully fuses the ancient with the modern, evoking the spirit of cave paintings while offering a sharp commentary on today’s power dynamics.

Full Quote from MARKEL:

"Utterly fascinated with cave paintings, I always aim to make cave art of the future. Peaked by the irony of dragons guarding and hoarding gold (they don’t use it for what it’s meant for or anything other than having it so others can’t) and the correlation between the ultra-wealthy and their riches, I crafted a story of selfishness or protection. I wanted to form an ambiguous piece that whoever is looking at it uses their moral compass to say if it’s a story of good or evil. I used the tree to be a representation of whatever you want it to be. The tree can represent money/power/the environment/ a dream/ power/etc."

A Multilayered Allegory of Power and Perception

With BENEDICT&BENJAMINS, MARKEL deftly plays with the tension between hoarding and guardianship, between greed and protection. The dragon-like figures, reminiscent of mythical beasts of the past, serve as potent metaphors for the accumulation of wealth, the structures of power, and the often ambiguous morality behind them. Central to the composition is the towering tree, a versatile symbol open to interpretation—it could stand for wealth, nature, ambition, or any force worth guarding or exploiting. The choice is left to the observer.

This art, much like cave paintings that once narrated the beliefs of ancient civilizations, presents a story without a conclusion, leaving the moral and ethical dimensions open-ended. The viewer must ask: Is the act of hoarding wealth, power, or even dreams a necessary defense or an act of selfishness? Is this a story of protection or a commentary on greed?

BENEDICT&BENJAMINS is a strikingly cerebral work that will capture the attention of those who seek art with narrative richness and philosophical depth. The ambiguity of its meaning invites reflection, discussion, and a personal interpretation of the delicate balance between good and evil, wealth and poverty, greed and guardianship. For the discerning collector, this piece offers not only a visual marvel but an intellectual and emotional experience that will resonate in any fine collection.

Acquire this piece of profound storytelling today and add an evocative work that blurs the lines between myth and reality, inviting endless contemplation.