“Word Series”
SPLIT STUDIES
ENIGMA STUDIES
ALLSORTS LICORICE STUDIES
ALLSORTS LICORICE PAINTINGS, (left to right) 3,1 & 2
My work in “The Word” series is defined by 26 points of reference representing each letter of the alphabet on a canvas. The word or words are covertly spelled out by either a color coordinated shape, the angle of a shape, or in some instances colored squares or circles. The composition of each piece is to a degree affected by the word or words.
All the work in this series are personal and flow from either something nostalgic bringing me back to some happy childhood memories, or strong emotions that I felt at the time of creating the work.
- Stephen Bezas
GOOD N PLENTY and JELLY BEANS
LADYBUG, RUBBER DUCK, CREAMSICLE and STRAWBERRIES (left to right)
SERENDIPITY, 2024 Acrylic Paint on Canvas - 36”x 36”
“Word Series II”
WONKY, 2024 24”x24”
This is a series of text-based paintings that explores the emotional and symbolic power of everyday language. Each canvas centers around a single word or phrase—like if, whew, wonky and 321….. .
These simple words become portals to deeper meaning: if evokes uncertainty and potential; whew captures release and relief; silent sunrise offers quiet reflection; hanky panky teases with playful ambiguity. By isolating these fragments of language, I aim to reveal how words can shape thought, emotion, and perception.
Blending conceptualism, abstraction, and contemporary aesthetics, this series is both visual and philosophical—an invitation to find wonder and complexity in the most familiar parts of speech.
LOVE YOU II, 2024 36”x36”
THE POSSIBILITY OF IF, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas 36”x36”
THE POSSIBILITY OF IF, 321….. ., THE ESSENCE OF EXISTENCE (left to right)
THE ESSENCE OF EXISTENCE, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas 48”x48”
SILENT SUNRISE, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas 48”x48”
“Dead On” Exhibition at Upsilon Gallery, New York March 28th - April 27th
Enter the captivating world of Stephen Bezas, where words transcend their conventional boundaries and transform into vibrant visual expressions. In his latest exhibition, "Dead On," Bezas invites viewers to immerse themselves in a symphony of language and imagery, where each painting serves as a portal to a multitude of emotions, ideas, and experiences.
Bezas' art defies categorization, blending elements of conceptualism, abstraction, and contemporary aesthetics. At the heart of his work lies a profound exploration of the power of language and its ability to evoke complex narratives within the confines of a single word or phrase.
Walking through the gallery, visitors encounter a diverse array of canvases, each adorned with enigmatic titles such as "if," "whew," "silent sunrise," and "hanky panky." These seemingly ordinary words take on a life of their own, infused with layers of meaning and ambiguity that challenge conventional modes of communication.
In "if," the viewer is confronted with the uncertainty and possibility inherent in the conditional, while "whew" captures a moment of relief or release, becoming a canvas of emotional catharsis. “Silent sunrise" evokes a sense of tranquility and introspection, suggesting the peace and renewal found in the quiet beauty of daybreak. Meanwhile, "hanky panky" teases with playful innuendo, inviting viewers to unravel its cheeky connotations.
Bezas taps into the cultural and emotional weight words carry, exploring how language shapes our understanding of the world. By elevating words to the status of visual icons, he prompts us to consider their power, beauty, and vulnerability. This exhibition is not just an artistic endeavor but a philosophical inquiry into the essence of communication and connection.
"Dead On" is more than just an art exhibition—it's a testament to the boundless potential of language to transcend its limitations and connect us to the ineffable aspects of human experience. Through his evocative creations, Bezas challenges us to reconsider the ways in which we perceive and interact with the world around us, inviting us to discover beauty, meaning, and wonder in the simplest of words.