24 Jan 2012

Helen Carmel Benigson: Palm Trees and Poker Players

Helen Carmel Benigson: Palm Trees and Poker Players

Cutting-edge artist and rapper Helen Carmel Benigson is taking over the James Hockey & Foyer Galleries at UCA Farnham for her biggest exhibition to date.

The Independent have named her as a potential successor to Tracey Emin and Vogue magazine are already monitoring her progress. Now the public can see her work for themselves at UCA Farnham from 27 January – 17 March 2012.

In association with ROLLO Contemporary Art, Palm Trees and Poker Players will showcase Benigson's over-saturated, evocative, and ultra-modern imagery through a series of large-scale photographs, video projections and a plethora of conceptual pieces.

Her work deals with identity in different territories, from political and geographical, to the boundaries of cyberspace.

Helen states: 'I'm really excited about my exhibition. I've been working on it for a really long time and the gallery is the largest space that I've ever worked in, so I am pleased it will soon be a reality.

'You can expect to see 15-foot palm trees, mad video projections, deckchairs, poker players, sexy girls, sushi and fireworks.'

There will also be an exciting live performance from her alter-ego, LA-born rapper Princess Belsize Dollar, at the Private View on 26 January, 6-9pm.

'I can't wait for the opening night,' Helen said. 'Princess Belsize Dollar will be rapping, so come dressed to party and go wild.

Christine Kapteijn, UCA Galleries' Curator & Manager, said: 'We are very excited to welcome Helen Carmel Benigson to the James Hockey & Foyer Galleries for this major large-scale exhibition.

'We hope the public make the most of this unique opportunity to see work by one of Britain's rising stars, in Surrey.'

Helen does not seem phased by the attention surrounding her. 'Well it is natural for a princess, such as myself, to be billed as one to watch,' she added. 'In 2012, it is my ambition to be ruling the world!'

Helen Carmel Benigson is represented by ROLLO Contemporary Art.

Her work is also being shown within the prestigious travelling exhibition series, The Body in Women's Art Now alongside Miri Segal, Anne Marie Schleiner and Gazira Babeli. Part 3, ReCreation, is at ROLLO Contemporary Art from 20 January – 2 March 2012.