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A Facilitator of Enlightenment

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  In our journey through life, we may find ourselves entangled in a metaphorical cave, our understanding of reality confined to the shadows projected on the walls. Merchants who prosper on our want of prosperity and opportunistic wealth cast these phantoms of reality, manipulating our senses for their gain. Yet, in a moment of profound revelation, you break free, grasping the truth that the world beyond the cave is the actual reality. That is the enlightenment that unveils the fleeting nature of worldly games. Upon your return to the cave, the opportunity of your leadership is not simply to announce the existence of the alternative world but to dismantle the illusions holding your peers and community in ignorance. Your task is to illuminate the mechanisms of their conditioning, patiently working to dispel their fabricated values and entrenched misconceptions. In your transformative context, leadership is a conduit for awakening, a medium for cultivating mindfulness and resilience. It i

The Chariot Cave and Entity

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  The allegorical cave of Plato presents a compelling tableau where residents, shackled and deceived, view mere shadows as the totality of existence. Into this darkness arrives a beacon of defiance and enlightenment - "The Chariot" by Alberto Giacometti. Despite its delicate appearance, this spectral entity stands firm, embodying the audacious perseverance of the human spirit in its quest for verity. The chariot's wheels, though stationary, symbolize the latent potential for progress and evolution, challenging the stagnation within the cave. The figure stationed on the chariot epitomizes the archetype of a visionary leader within this space of obscured understanding. This leader questions the prevailing paradigm, exhibiting the courage to turn away from the shadowy deceptions in a bid for illumination. The cave dwellers might view this quest as an insurmountable challenge, yet the persistent presence of the chariot stands as a testament to this relentless pursuit. In this

The Son of Man

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  Rene Magritte The Son of Man Immerse yourself in "The Son of Man," by Renay Magrette. This outstanding artwork captures the essence of Surrealism. The green apple is not just an apple but a vibrant beacon attracting mystery and intrigue. Its rich, green hue and perfect roundness evoke curiosity. Question yourself. What do you think is concealed beneath? The suited figure and the obscured face suggest a rigid but boundless identity. The formality of his attire contrasts with the absence of his face. Suggesting the complexity of layers that form our workplace identity. Then there's the backdrop. A moody sky and a steadfast brick wall set the dramatic stage of concealment and revelation. They form an atmosphere of introspection that further accentuates the mystery. "The Son of Man" is a compelling masterpiece, a visual puzzle that invites us to question reality and perception. It's a mesmerizing artwork that sparks our human curiosity. Art Review Short  If yo

The Unseen Shadows

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  In The Unseen Shadows, the viewer is presented with a thought-provoking exploration of the psychological inter-relationship of creativity. This artwork delves into the role of subconscious emotional traits as a catalyst for malevolent creativity, shedding light on the unseen shadows that can influence our positioning to enact creativity.  The portrait that emerges from this is both compelling and paradoxical. On the one hand, creativity is often celebrated for its positive impact, but on the other hand, it can also be shrouded in malevolent shadows. The artwork seeks to correlate the inferences between powerful and regressive symbols of harmful creativity with cognitive and motivational facets of the grip fueled by creativity's darker side. The intricate dance of shadows draws on Plato's cave allegory, with oppression acting as a distorted puppeteer that can cast a veil of gloom over our cognitive impulses.  The emotional aspects can cast a unique shadow by continually adding

21st Augmented Man

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  As you stand in front of the portrait of the augmented man, carefully crafted to challenge assumptions and provoke discussion about art's place in social media, you may find yourself caught amid an ever-evolving cultural debate. The prevalence of algorithmic influence and mass opinion can sway our political beliefs and shape the narratives we accept, leading us to question the patterns we see before us.  Depending on your biases and assumptions, the portrait may represent either a symbol of empowerment or containment. It is intended to be twofold. This raises an important question: when does an image cease to exist as a simple work of art and become a calculated weapon designed to sway public opinion and manipulate your emotions? The augmented man portrait is a poignant statement on the power of art as a political tool. This discussion remains relevant even in the age of social media and the traditions of our ongoing culture wars. 21st Augmented Man Video The vision of the augmen

Ghosts of Memories Past

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  When you look at this portrait of a man who has been purposely demonized, you may find that your own personal biases and historical distortions come into play. How you interpret his sombre features and haunting eyes may be tainted by your own experiences and the childhood and adult stories you've been told and seen about this type of person. As you look at the portrait, you may see a villain or a victim, depending on your biases and preconceptions. This means the picture is not just a static image but an intended reflection to trigger your attitudes and memories. The portrait's purpose is to remind us how media can call on imprinted memory to influence how we see and understand others. Ghosts of Memories Past Video The portrait depicts a demonized man. Personal biases and historical distortions may come into play when viewing the portrait. Personal experiences and stories may influence the interpretation of the man's features. Some may see the man as a villain, while othe

Innovative Leaders need Creative Artists

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 Consider THIS Gatekeeper Gatekeepers in the art world determine what art is exhibited and made available to the public. Gatekeepers include curators, gallerists, collectors, critics, and other art industry professionals. Museums, galleries, and cultural institutions are often considered the primary Gatekeepers. Curators play an influential role in selecting and organizing exhibitions. As an independent artist, it is essential to recognize and consider the influence of these Gatekeepers. Botticelli Gatekeepers The Medici family played a significant role in shaping the art and culture of the Renaissance period and were critical patrons of the Arts in Florence. Botticelli and other Renaissance artists navigated the values and expectations of their patrons to maintain financial support and avoid falling out of favour. Botticelli's famous paintings, The Birth of Venus and Primavera, were sponsored by the Medici family and demonstrate their classical influence. The church also significa

21st Synthesis Man

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  The Synthesis Man is a true visionary, a master of collaboration and connection. He understood that success is not achieved through individual efforts alone but rather through the ability to bring together diverse ideas, perspectives, and resources to create something more significant than the sum of its parts. The ability to harness the potential of others and work towards shared goals is a skill that sets the Synthesis Man apart from the instinctual superior.  21st Synthesis Man Video https://jjfbbennett.taplink.ws/ John Bennett - AKA JJFBbennett is an independent artist. You can subscribe to JJFB's work via Blogger , YouTube , Flicker , Facebook , Instagram and Deviant Art .  If you want to support his art creation, you can sponsor JJFBbennett through PayPal here or a subscription via Patreon here . If you want to acquire JJFB's art creations as an NFT - John's Opensea NFT profile is https://opensea.io/JJFBbennett   Be Creative and Innovative with Knowledge Copy

Moments of Standing Waiting Thinking Remembering

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  Moments of Standing, Waiting, Thinking and Remembering Vignette As I stood here, waiting for something to happen, my mind began to wander. Memories of the past flooded my thoughts, and I couldn't help but feel a longing for what could have been. But as the sun set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, I also felt grateful for where I have been and where I am next to be. Reflecting on my good and bad experiences, I realized that life's enrichment is about standing, waiting, thinking and remembering. It's about taking the time to appreciate the present and dream about the future. Finding beauty in the mundane, joy in the struggles, and hope in the darkness. That moment of standing there, lost in thought, will stay with me forever. It reminds me of life's complexity and the importance of reflecting. As the sky darkened and it was time to move on, I carried that feeling, knowing that no matter what the future holds, I will always have these moments to remind me

Artist Statement When Who Where

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Artist Statement When, Who, Where This House Decides and Path of Convenience  (transcript) These two works of art published in 2019 capture the essence of the artist's journey, inviting viewers to reflect on their paths, challenge the familiar, and seek more profound connections with the world around them. The intent is to be thought-provoking to prompt meaningful dialogue and invites transformative experiences for all who engage with the artwork. The artworks employ abstract content and commercialised headers. I am speaking as an avatar of JJFBbennett. My artistic practice explores the transformative power of disrupting the path of convenience. Through my work, I invite viewers to stop looking down and instead direct their gaze upwards and across the horizon. Drawing inspiration from a pivotal moment, I realized the importance of shifting perceptual perspective. Just as I looked up from what was once remarkable and secure, my art aims to challenge conventional norms and expectatio

The Waiting Lounge Flowers

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  The Waiting Lounge Flowers The Waiting Lounge Flowers Poem The waiting lounge is a place of human transition, where strangers weave a tapestry of silent experiences. People occupy seats, orchestrating a symphony of hushed conversations and restless energy. The air is full of anticipation, and a semblance of camaraderie ignites the room. While some are lost in digital worlds, others watch planes on the tarmac. Amidst the restless hum, some seek solace in nervous taps upon their thighs. A young couple shares whispers of love and delicate secrets. An elderly man turns time-worn pages, escaping into another world. The collective yearning within is veiled by the dance of coffee and perfume. Spontaneous children's laughter bounces between rows of chairs, filling the space with memory echoes of want. A businessman's urgency is etched upon his face as his fingers dance within his keys. Fleeting connections, forgotten glances, and stories that interlace and entwine. Blossoming possibi

Silent and Co-existent

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  Silent and Co-existent poem The lounge was filled with strangers waiting for their flight. Despite the unspoken communion, the author felt isolated. The author was anxious about the possibility of a delayed or cancelled flight. Others in the lounge were also battling their uncertainties. The experience was both physical and emotional. Patience, resilience, and a willingness to confront frustration were required. The wait was temporary and would soon be over. Everyone was determined to refrain from demonstrating their inabilities. The sense of isolation was difficult to shake. The wait required a strong sense of control. The uncertainty of the situation was overwhelming. The wait required a sense of community. The experience was one of shared struggle. The wait required a willingness to confront one's own limitations. The sense of anticipation was palpable. The wait required a sense of determination. The experience required a sense of perspective. The wait was a test of one's

In the shadows and on pause

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  In the queue and stressed out The world's weight bore down on me. Standing still in this dead-end queue. The cacophony of whispering conversations and impatient shuffling of feet heightened my anxiety. I glanced around, searching for an escape from the suffocation. Frustration rose as my thoughts raced, and my to-do list and commitments crashed to earth. Time seemed to stand still in this space, mocking my want to move forward. My heart raced, sweat stung my eyes as my internal clock ticked away. The grip tightened with each passing second. I was trapped and held hostage by the inertia of the static queue. It was as if my everything was chained to someone else's time. I was on pause and held captive in a pantomime of stress and stagnation.  I fought desperately to overcome my waves of panic. Suddenly the line inched forward. I took a deep breath to calm the raging storm inside. I clung to the hope that I could eventually break through. This dead-end queue On Pause In this mut

Waiting Room Standing

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Waiting Room and Standing Window  Waiting Room Standing Window Video Waiting Room Standing Video In this shared, tolerated experience, an unspoken communion emerged among the individuals. The constant hum of the air conditioning and subtle scents of perfume and food added to this connection.  This invisible understanding transcended the collective silence present in the room. However, each traveller also faced feelings of anticipation, expectancy, and anxiety.  This emotional struggle painted the lounge as a space of alienation. Consequently, the room became a complex mixture of unity and isolation. The contrasting emotions created a unique atmosphere within the transit lounge. https://jjfbbennett.taplink.ws/ John Bennett - AKA JJFBbennett is an independent artist. You can subscribe to JJFB's work via Blogger , YouTube , Flicker , Facebook , Instagram and Deviant Art .  If you want to support his art creation, you can sponsor JJFBbennett through PayPal here or a subscription

Standing and Waiting

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  Standing, Waiting and Self-Absorbed Standing, Waiting and Self-Absorbed Video Each individual is self-absorbed. Their thoughts are mannered by a machine-generated ambience. A conditioned meta landscape where reality and dreams blur.  As travellers enter and exit, emotional contexts shift and are only broken by recognisable key frame transformations. Collective psyche cogs click automatically into linear stations. We are standing, waiting, and cognitively shifting between the enforced rituals. Standing and Waiting https://jjfbbennett.taplink.ws/ John Bennett - AKA JJFBbennett is an independent artist. You can subscribe to JJFB's work via Blogger , YouTube , Flicker , Facebook , Instagram and Deviant Art .  If you want to support his art creation, you can sponsor JJFBbennett through PayPal here or a subscription via Patreon here . If you want to acquire JJFB's art creations as an NFT - John's Opensea NFT profile is https://opensea.io/JJFBbennett   Be Creative and Inn

The Waiting Room

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  The Waiting Room A strange stillness blanketed the minimal space. We as engulfed by a collective quiet. A sanctuary within an enclosure of introspection. Built for holding and waiting, it enables a psychological theatre for travellers held in transition.  The seating arrangements, the modern architecture and the hushed whispers. Each story is contained within this edge of time. Video Silent Space Vignette https://jjfbbennett.taplink.ws/ John Bennett - AKA JJFBbennett is an independent artist. You can subscribe to JJFB's work via Blogger , YouTube , Flicker , Facebook , Instagram and Deviant Art .  If you want to support his art creation, you can sponsor JJFBbennett through PayPal here or a subscription via Patreon here . If you want to acquire JJFB's art creations as an NFT - John's Opensea NFT profile is https://opensea.io/JJFBbennett   Be Creative and Innovative with Knowledge Copyright This artwork is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Distribut