BAKiiBAK (Back to back) Benjamin S Lees is a multi media artist living and working in St. Leonards / Hastings.

Paintings

“I’m exploring the mechanics and fabric of life and 'self'. The stuff we are made of but out of sight. An abstract world full of romance, beauty and war.” - Benjamin Sean Lees / BAKiiBAK

From a young age the artist was fascinated with the details of nature, but it was an art project at university that fueled his journey. During which, the artist felt inspired taking focused photographs on the grain, decay and growths found on wood in London’s, Richmond Park. As he looked closer, his obsession with the minute grew, and it was not long before he took to the microscope to explore deeper. This intrigue anticipated the arrival of the paintings, it was at this point they began their evolution. Seemingly chaotic but expressive, rich abstract tapestries of life. Taking inspiration from his research into early and tribal art also aided the development of his painting technique. Which evokes a sense of worship, whilst the layers of resin and paint simulate a microscope slide.

The artist sees the studio as a laboratory, a place for experiments with form, material and technology. A place in which he can explore and question the intricate details of life forms, their synergy and our place within it all.

Polarised Light

For Sale

Polarised Light

For Sale

Polarised Light

For Sale

Polarised Light

For Sale

1/4

Vibrio fischeri Glow 2019-2022

85 x 41 x 3cm

Layered resin, paint, pigment and dye.

The relationship between cuttlefish and bioluminescent bacteria showcases the intricate connections found in nature.

Cuttlefish possess specialized cells called photophores, which contain bioluminescent bacteria such as Vibrio fischeri. These bacteria produce light through a chemical reaction, emitting a glow that can be used for various purposes, including communication, camouflage, and defense.

They “trap” the bioluminescent bacteria within these photophores, creating a symbiotic relationship. The bacteria benefit from the shelter and nutrients provided by the cuttlefish, while the cuttlefish gain the ability to emit light.

This relationship highlights the incredible adaptability and ingenuity of nature, where organisms coexist and form mutually beneficial partnerships. It's a beautiful example of how different species can interact and evolve together, each contributing to the survival and success of the other.

Marriage

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Marriage

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Marriage

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Marriage

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1/7

Marriage 2018-2021

120 x 120 x 5cm

Layered resin, paint, pigment and dye.

This painting lies somewhere between reality and imagination. Loose brush marks and wild, bright, expressive colours are used to encourage a sense of tension and energy of the molecular world.

Whilst the painting technique presents a romantic vision of molecules vibrating, the subject and title draw inspiration from microbiology. This particular piece suggests one of the most profound events in the Earth’s history, believed to be fact by scientists today and explored in Ed Young’s book “I contain Multitudes, the microbes within us and the grander view of life.” Billions of years ago a freak accident happened in the oceans, when two prokaryotes (single cell organisms) collided, instead of the usual destruction of the weaker a symbiotic coalition was formed between a bacteria and an archeon. The bacteria was absorbed by the archeon to form a eukaryotic cell; it is believed this is where all complex life stemmed from. The bacteria that was absorbed by the archeon became mitochondria, the organic factories that gave these new cells at the time enough energy to form life like us. According to the research this only happened once in the planet's entire history.

With these elements in place and the tribal painting style I invite the viewer to take a moment, stand back and absorb the vibrations of molecules, the dance of cells and the purely magical story of life. This painting is a shrine, an event paused in time so you can reflect and worship the tender and fragile origin of complex life.