Prepared, 2021

Enamel on Shaped Steel

33 x 33 x 6 in (83.8 x 83.8 x 15.2 cm)

Zap, 2021

Enamel on Shaped Steel

33 x 33 x 6 in (83.8 x 83.8 x 15.2 cm)

Strawberry, 2021

Enamel on Shaped Steel

33 x 33 x 6 in (83.8 x 83.8 x 15.2 cm)

Timekeeper, 2022

Acrylic on canvas

72 x 84 in (182.9 x 213.4 cm)

Silence, 2022

Acrylic on canvas

84 x 72 in (213.4 x 182.9 cm)

Oozer II, 2022

On Verso Acrylic on plywood, polished aluminum artist's frame

11 x 14 in (27.9 x 35.6 cm)

Rod II, 2022

On Verso Acrylic on plywood, polished aluminum artist's frame

11 x 14 in (27.9 x 35.6 cm)

Expanse II, 2022

On Verso Acrylic on plywood, polished aluminum artist's frame

11 x 14 in (27.9 x 35.6 cm)

Acid, 2023

Acrylic on plywood

20 x 24 in (50.8 x 61 cm)

Floater I, 2022

On Verso Acrylic on plywood, polished aluminum artist's frame

11 x 14 in (27.9 x 35.6 cm)

Deformation, 2022

Acrylic on canvas

84 x 72 in (213.4 x 182.9 cm)

Siren V, 2022

On Verso Acrylic on plywood, colored pencil, polished aluminum artist's frame

11 x 14 in (27.9 x 35.6 cm)

Magnet, 2022

Acrylic on canvas

72 x 84 in (182.9 x 213.4 cm)

The art of Ben Sanders is just being an artist. Every interest or activity shapes his artistic practice and contributes to an ever-expanding umbrella of aesthetic value. Gardening, cooking, collecting, painting, parenting, bartending—arguably, any action executed with intention may be performance and/or is art. Raised in a Southern California environment that celebrated art in service of a story, mood, or feeling, Sanders spent much of his childhood in his dad’s workshop where Hollywood sets were designed and fabricated. Sanders’ bodies of work include paintings of food, drinks, logos and other found design imagery, bonsai, gardens, and post-human landscapes—all of which may be painted on terra cotta planting pots, enlarged metal bottle caps, gallery stationary, and on more traditional supports like canvas and wood panel.

Known for his pop-up art bars and context-responsive cocktails for art world events, Sanders was a founding member of the Los Angeles-based Happy Hour Agency (HHA), a group that developed sensory experiences involving food, drinks, design, and performance. Collectively analyzing each fundamental element during the planning of HHA events, the group worked for months in studios and test kitchens to realize each element of an event. This intentionality and precision carries into Sanders’ solo projects—the result of lifelong interests, ongoing experimental practices, an autodidactic drive, and the intellectual charisma that holds it all in place.

Ben Sanders (b. 1989, Arcadia, CA) received his BFA from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. His work has been exhibited internationally at venues including Gagosian in Beverly Hills, CA; Asya Geisberg in New York, NY; Left Field in San Luis Obispo, CA; Carl & Sloan in Portland, OR; LVL3 in Chicago, IL; and OCHI in Los Angeles, CA and Sun Valley, ID. Sanders’s work has been commissioned by esteemed organizations including Nike, Dropbox, Louis Vuitton, and The New York Times and has been featured in publications including ARTnews, Galerie Magazine, LA Weekly, Artillery Magazine, Artsy, Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles, The Oregonian, Wrap Magazine, and Paper Magazine. Sanders lives and works in Pasadena, CA and is represented by OCHI.

EDUCATION

2013

BFA, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA

SELECTED SOLO & TWO-PERSON EXHIBITIONS

2024

FOG Art Fair, presented by OCHI, San Francisco, CA

2023

New Caps, Marta, Los Angeles, CA
Deep Time, OCHI, Los Angeles, CA

2022

Post Existence Postcards, Untitled Art Fair, presented by OCHI, Miami, FL
Strange Attractors, Barely Fair, presented by Left Field Gallery, Chicago, IL

2021

Nine Bottle Caps and a Chimney, OCHI, Ketchum, ID

2020

Poppies, OCHI, Los Angeles, CA
Bonsai, Ampersand Gallery, Portland, OR

2019

Items, Left Field, Los Osos, CA
Solo Show, Art Los Angeles Contemporary, presented by OCHI, Los Angeles, CA

2018

I Come to the Garden Alone, OCHI, Los Angeles, CA

2017

The Garden & The Church, Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA

2015

Foreign & Domestic, Carl & Sloan, Portland, OR

2014

Whiteface, with Stephen Collier, LVL3 Gallery, Chicago, IL
Graves of Craving, Slow Culture Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

2013

Magic, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2024

Coping with Paradise, OCHI, Sun Valley, ID
Walking Distance, Bozomag, Los Angeles, CA
Tone Poem, The Hole, Los Angeles, CA
Rites of Spring, Marta, Los Angeles, CA

2023

On the Voyage, Asia Art Center, Beijing, China
Spring, Primary Projects, Miami, FL

2022

To Bough and to Bend, Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA

2021

Expanded Field, OCHI, Los Angeles, CA

2020

Second Smile, The Hole, New York, NY
To Bough and To Bend, Bridge Projects, Los Angeles, CA
Group Show, Art Los Angeles Contemporary, presented by Big Pictures, Los Angeles, CA

2019

Holding Space, Big Pictures, Los Angeles, CA
House Museum, curated by Alex Reed, Los Angeles, CA
I Wake Up and Write Down My Dreams, No Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library, Blake and Vargas, Berlin, Germany

2018

Culinaria (Art + Food + Community), Oregon Contemporary (formerly Disjecta), Portland, OR
Soft Pretzel, VACATION, presented by OCHI, New York, NY
LOVE 2018: Purple Hearts, curated by Rachel Stern, Columbia University LeRoy Neiman Gallery, New York, NY

2017

DBA, Big Pictures LA, Los Angeles, CA
Taco Shop Art Show, Rosarito Mexican Food Restaurant, Pasadena, CA

2016

The Thing Itself, Coop Gallery, Nashville, TN Elysian Redux, Asya Geisberg Gallery, New York, NY
Pink & Green, Eddy's Room, New York, NY
Slippery Slope, Left Field Gallery, San Luis Obispo, CA

2015

RV, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, Los Angeles, CA
Making an Entrance, Robert Blumenthal Gallery, New York, NY
Tan Lines 3, Solid State, Chicago, IL
FIVE, LVL3 Gallery, Chicago, IL

2014

Something Within, DAC Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
Rendering, Good Work Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
Paraprosdokians and Rubber Chickens, The Art Gym, Portland, OR
A La Mode: Painted Method, L'Art Projects, Los Angeles, CA
Opera Buffa, FIELD Contemporary, Vancouver, Canada
High Math, Slow Culture Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

2012

Post-it Show 8, Giant Robot 2, Los Angeles, CA
Back 2 Basix, Art and Crafts Collective, Los Angeles, CA
Gold, Silver, and Bronze, Kemistry Gallery, London, United Kingdom

CURATORIAL PROJECTS / MURALS / EVENTS

LECTURES

2020

Artist Talk, Fellows of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, CA

2015

Artist Talk, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA (ongoing annually)

2014

Artist Talk, The Art Gym at Marylhurst University, Portland, OR

Artist Talk, Clark College, Vancouver, WA

Artist Talk, Pratt Institute, New York, NY

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

2024

Tree, Ellis. “Giant bottle caps and landscapes from the future: the precise and abstract painted world of Ben Sanders," It's Nice That, Sep. 4
Wilson, Emily. “In a globalized art world, why does SF need its own fairs? The answer lies in FOG," 48 Hills, Jan. 21
Zara, Janelle. “Discover the Buzziest Emerging Artists at FOG Design+Art fair in San Francisco," Galerie Magazine, Jan. 19
Ferrucci, Olivia. “FOG Design+Art’s Tenth Edition Celebrates San Francisco," Whitewall, Jan. 15

2023

Ghassemitari, Shawn. “Ben Sanders' Giant Bottle Cap Artworks Take Over Marta Gallery," Hypebeast, Jun. 21
“Pot Dealer," Mr. Wren & Friends, Jun. 22
“Ben Sanders: New Caps," Surface, Jun. 15
Dambrot, Shana Nys. “JUNE BLOOMS: Arts Calendar June 15-21," LA Weekly, Jun. 14
“A Portfolio: Ben Sanders’ Open-Ended World," Juxtapoz, Apr. 24
Gómez-Upegui, Salomé. “The New Generation of Transcendental Painters," Artsy, Feb. 28
Dambrot, Shana Nys. “Painter Ben Sanders’ Luminous Lunar Landscapes at OCHI," LA Weekly, Feb. 2

2022

Laster, Paul. “10 Standout Emerging Artists Discovered at NADA and Untitled Art in Miami," Galerie Magazine, Dec. 2
Durón, Maximilíano. “The Best Booths at Untitled’s 2022 Edition on Miami Beach," ARTnews, Nov. 29
López Chahoud, Omar. “Ben Sanders at OCHI (Nest) (A15)," Untitled Art VIP, Nov. 28
Bischof, Books. “Guide to Miami Art Week 2022," Platform, Nov. 27

2021

Horst, Aaron. “Ben Sanders at Ochi Projects," Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles, Dec. 16

2020

Groom, Angela. “Gallery Rounds: Ben Sanders at Ochi Projects," Artillery Magazine, Dec. 16
Zappas, Lindsay Preston. “Poppies and skulls commingle in fantastical airbrushed paintings," KCRW Art Insider,, Dec. 15
Dambrot, Shana Nys. “Arts Calendar: Homeward Bound," LA Weekly, Dec. 2

2019

“5 Reasons to Sow Seeds in Ben Sanders’ Painted Pots," Artspace, Apr. 23

2018

Stromberg, Matt. “Ben Sanders at Ochi Projects," Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles,, Jul.
Osberg, Annabel. “Pick of the Week: Ben Sanders," Artillery Magazine, Apr. 4
d’Avignon, Angella. “These Surreal Paintings Embody L.A.’s Hedonism and Spirituality," Artsy, Mar. 22
Martinez, Jamie. “Ben Sanders: I Come to the Garden Alone at Ochi Projects," Arte Fuse, Mar. 26
Hamada, Jeff. “Artist Spotlight: Ben Sanders," Booooooom, Feb. 4

2017

itzpatrick, Kyle Raymond. “Happy Hour Agency’s Pop-Up Dining Art," Cool Hunting, Aug. 14

2016

Fulleylove, Rebecca. “Ben Sanders’ vibrant paintings play with perspective through everyday objects," It's Nice That, Sep. 16
Khatchadourian, Alex. “Inside the colorful world of Ben Sanders," Amadeus Magazine, Iss. 8, Apr. 14
Moffat, Amy. “Ben Sanders," Junko Journal, Apr.

2015

“Ben Sanders at Carl & Sloan Contemporary," Art Viewer, Aug.26
Rikke, Luna. “Interview: Ben Sanders," I Do Art, Jun. 6
Muraben, Billie. “Creepy, jiggly-faced ceramics from artist Ben Sanders," It's Nice That, Feb. 25

2014

Motley, John. “Art Meets Humor at the Art Gym," The Oregonian, Nov. 5
Paraprosdokians and Rubber Chickens, The Art Gym, Oct. 2014 (catalogue)
Katz, Samantha. “10 Art Instagram Feeds that aren't totally insufferable," Paper Magazine, Sep.
Snoad, Laura. “Exploring the New Abstract," Wrap Magazine, Iss. 10, Jul.
Khemsurov, Monica. “Eye Candy: Ben Sanders, Artist," Sight Unseen, Jul. 21
Alderson, Rob. “It's sunny side up thanks to LA-based Ben Sanders' colourful paintings," It's Nice That, Jun. 11
Guerrero, Frederick. “Studio Visit: Ben Sanders: Graves of Craving," The Hundreds, Apr. 30

2013

Uribe, Vincent. “Artist of the Week: Ben Sanders," LVL3, Jul. 22

PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

Nike, Inc., Portland, OR

Fidelity Investments, Boston, MA

  • Ben Sanders
    Giant bottle caps and landscapes from the future
    It's Nice That
    September 4, 2024
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    In a globalized art world, why does SF need its own fairs? The answer lies in FOG
    48 Hills
    January 21, 2024
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    Discover the Buzziest Emerging Artists at FOG Design+Art fair in San Francisco
    Galerie Magazine
    January 19, 2024
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    FOG Design+Art Fair’s Tenth Edition Celebrates San Francisco
    Whitewall
    January 17, 2024
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    New Caps at Marta Gallery
    Surface
    June 15 - July 30, 2023
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    Pot Dealer
    Mr. Wren & Friends
    June 22, 2023
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    Ben Sanders' Giant Bottle Cap Artworks Take Over Marta Gallery
    Hypebeast
    June 21, 2023
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
     June Bloom: Arts Calendar June 15-21 
    LA Weekly
    June 14, 2023
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    A Portfolio: Ben Sanders's Open-Ended World
    Juxtapoz
    April 24, 2023
    LINK

  • Adam Beris & Ben Sanders
    Primary's Show Is All About Springtime and Childlike Wonder
    Miami New Times
    April 19, 2023
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    The New Generation of Transcendental Painters
    Artsy
    February 28, 2023
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    Ben Sanders at OCHI
    Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles
    February 15, 2023
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    Painter Ben Sanders’ Luminous Lunar Landscapes at OCHI
    LA Weekly
    February 2, 2023
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    Artforum Must See
    January 11, 2023
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    10 Standout Emerging Artists Discovered at NADA and Untitled Art in Miami
    By Paul Laster
    December 3, 2022
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders

    The Best Booths at Untitled’s 2022 Edition on Miami Beach
    BY MAXIMILÍANO DURÓN
    November 29, 2022
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    Ben Sanders at Ochi Projects
    Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles
    December 5, 2020 - January 30, 2021
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    Gallery Rounds: Ben Sanders
    Artillery Magazine
    December 16, 2020
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    Lindsay Preston Zappas Art Insider Top 3 Weekly Pick + Gallery Talk
    December 15, 2020
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    Arts Calendar (Homeward Bound): December 3-6
    LA Weekly
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders and Matthew F Fisher
    Slightly Awkward and Clumsily Edited Virtual Studio Visit Between Artists & Friends Ben Sanders and Matthew F Fisher
    LINK

  • ARTSY
    Ochi Projects is pleased to present works by Devin Farrand, Claudia Parducci and Ben Sanders at Future Fair Online.
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders
    SECOND SMILE
    Group exhibition including Ben Sanders at The Hole, NYC
    April 23rd - May 24th, 2020
    LINK

  • Ben Sanders: Solo Exhibition
    Items, Left Field, Los Osos, CA
    July 8, 2019
    LINK

  • Artspace: 5 Reasons to sew seeds in Ben Sander's Painted Pots
    April, 2019
    LINK

  • Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles: Ben Sanders
    Ben Sanders at Ochi Projects
    by Matt Stromberg
    July 18, 2018
    LINK

  • Artillery Magazine: Ben Sanders
    by Annabel Osberg 
    April 4, 2018
    LINK

  • Art Fuse: Ben Sanders "I Come to the Garden Alone at Ochi Projects"
    March 26, 2018
    LINK

  • Artsy: Ben Sanders: These Surreal Paintings Embody L.A.’s Hedonism and Spirituality
    by Angella d'Avignon
    March 22, 2018
    LINK

  • Hi Fructose: Surreal Paintings of Ben Sanders Featured in ‘I Come to the Garden Alone’
    March, 2018
    LINK

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