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Tribulation
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Jose Benesario Nieves (AKA Chino)
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Acrylic on parachute cloth, stretched
- Size: 36”W x 36"H
- Framing available upon request
“I painted a background full of the earth tone colors. I flung 5 splashes of white acrylic paint, and within the splashes I painted a life cycle of red roses looking to show change and growth with time. I painted a simple metamorphosis of a Caterpillar, how it hatches from an egg, to eating, and growing its way into a cocoon to become a beautiful butterfly. I see my life in comparison to a Caterpillar being born, growing to an adult, then being confined into a cocoon. But then one day being reborn with a second chance at life to be bright and fly towards the light of freedom.”
Jose Benesario is an artist born in 1988 Puerto Rico. He migrated to the United States in 1992 and settled in North Philadelphia. From a young age, Benesario demonstrated remarkable artistic talent. Despite life challenges, including leaving high school early, he pursued meaningful work, serving as a peer mentor for Congress. Subsequent life circumstances led to his incarceration in 2013. While incarcerated, Benesario rediscovered his passion for visual art, embarking on a transformative journey that allowed him to give back to his community through creativity. His work reflects resilience, self-redefinition, and a commitment to motivating those who face their own challenges.
