I work across various 2d media: painting, printmaking, photography, drawing, collage, etc. Currently my practice is what I would describe as post-Photography: using photographs not just as reference material but as inspiration in terms of visual texture. I reinterpret old and distressed photographs using ink, paint, drawing and collage. Like Marlene Dumas, I have found that "second-hand images can generate first-hand emotions." The physical gestures of drawing and painting - what I think of as calligraphy - revivify the Dead of the photograph.

My training is in printmaking, darkroom photography and Japanese calligraphy. I am a long-term student of calligraphy master Ishihara Sotei. Currently I teach Art History and Cultural Theory, Painting, Printmaking and Drawing as a sessional teacher at RMIT and at Melbourne Polytechnic. I have held several solo exhibitions over the last 30 years, and taken part in a number of group shows in both Australia and Japan. After taking an extended break from Art to work and raise a family, in 2018 I returned to regular studio practice. Last year I held my first solo show for some time at the Japanese Consulate in Bourke St, and I am planning another solo show this year, COVID restrictions willing.

There is an archive of images on Instagram @benjamin.uno but I no longer access messages or update that account. I regularly post new work on my blog at benjaminuno.blogspot.com