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Image of Flame

Cliff Benjamin

American, b. 1955

Flame
1997

Graphite and ink on paper
72.75 x 64.75 x 3 in.
Gift of Joe Austin and Kathryn C. Wanlass Foundation
2013.3

"The ink and pencil drawing displayed here, of a man’s torso surrounded by moths, has not only erotic messages of its own, but is based in his interest in spiritual ideas using surrealistic imagery. Through the combination of the title and the moths that seem to be swarming around the male torso, I play upon the popular phrase, “Like a moth to a flame.” This phrase is often used in song lyrics or poetry and refers to an irresistible attraction. Moths have also been used historically as a symbol for the soul. My intention here with the subtle layering of the moths over and through the male torso, is to speak of the temporality of the human body, vulnerable in a cruciform pose, yearning for the same source of light which is the source of life for all things." —Cliff Benjamin

Keywords
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This object has the following keywords:
boy, ink*, moths*, nude
  • boy
  • ink - A fluid medium used for drawings or tracings. An opaque, usually black, pigment is mixed with a vehicle such as water to produce a fluid which can be applied with a pen or brush. Through the end of the 19th century, ink was supplied dried in stick or block form which was ground and mixed with water as needed. At the beginning of this century prepared ink became popular.
  • moths - General term for various members of the order Lepidoptera, typically those distinguished from butterflies by being nocturnal and having less colorful wings. Since moths are not a monophyletic group, they cannot be placed together in a scientific taxon.
  • nude

Exhibition List
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Also found in
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Thumbnail image of Drawings
Drawings
Thumbnail image of The Day After Tomorrow: Art in Response to Turmoil and Hope
The Day After Tomorrow: Art in Response to Turmoil and Hope

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