Jesus Benavente: NUESTROWORLD

Jesus Benavente, A life, A Home and A Horse Named Triste, 2021, courtesy of the artist.

NUESTROWORLD is a satirical solo exhibition by Brooklyn-based artist Jesus Benavente, conceived of as a visual album and immersive “amusement park.” This project features interconnected works unfolding across the gallery and city, collectively highlighting Houston’s cyclical history of ambition, folly, and heartbreak. The title NUESTROWORLD is a play on Astroworld and uses Spanglish to create the phrase “The World Is Ours.” The project draws inspiration from popular events that mark specific eras of Houston’s history, such as the opening of the world-famous Astrodome and Astroworld Park in the late 60’s, Selena’s iconic Rodeo performances in the 90’s, and the folklore surrounding the 1836 capture of Santa Anna during the Battle of San Jacinto as part of the Texas Revolution. Together, they build a story, a world developed over time that underscores sacrifice, instills resilience, and highlights a Texas attitude of “come and take it.” 

ARTIST BIO:

Jesus Benavente is a visual artist based in Brooklyn, New York. Jesus earned an MFA from Rutgers University and attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Recent exhibitions and performances include the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Queens Museum, Queens; LTD Los Angeles, Los Angeles; Performa 13, New York; Acre Projects, Chicago; Chinati Foundation, Marfa; the Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase, NY; Shin Museum of Art, South Korea; Vox Populi, Philadelphia; Socrates Sculpture Park, New York; and Austin Museum of Art. Benavente was born in San Antonio, Texas.