Morgan Bench (They/Them) is a queer, nonbinary artist whose work explores our collective relationship to the natural world. Growing up, they spent the majority of their time outdoors amidst the diverse ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which provided the foundation for their curiosity about nature and how we as humans interact with and impact our planet. Morgan is an interdisciplinary artist working in traditional media like printmaking, painting, and illustration, as well as more contemporary practices such as assemblage sculptures and installations. They hold a B.A. from Washington College, where they double majored in Studio Art & Environmental Studies, and their background in science heavily informs their artwork. At Washington College, Morgan was awarded the Lynette Nielsen Professional Practice Award, which is given to the graduating senior who demonstrates the most engaged, dedicated, and consistent creative practice. Since graduating in 2018, their works have been exhibited in several national juried shows including two pieces in VisArts ‘NextGen 2.0' show exhibiting artworks from young upcoming artists, three works in the Maryland Federation of the Arts ‘40 Under 40: National Young Artist Showcase,’ and two works in the Chesapeake Arts Centers ‘Love in Every Shade’ queer artist showcase. When they are not creating, Morgan can be found camping, hiking, paddling, rock climbing, or taking any other excuse to get outside with their friends.
Artist Statement
I use my art as a way to explore humanity’s relationship to nature. I want to understand what makes us value nature, what makes us feel connected to the ecosystems we inhabit, and how we can blur the lines between the human and the natural. My art is a catalyst to start conversations about conservation, sustainability, and stewardship. How do we expand our definitions of home and the sense of comfort, belonging, and care that we cultivate within our living spaces to expand beyond the physical four walls of where we live to include the natural spaces surrounding us?
I have always felt some level of disconnect or discomfort in our societal and cultural norms. Even before understanding my queerness, I felt confined by cisheteronormative standards. This rigid structure felt limiting, isolating, and othering. I felt much more at home and more myself when I was outside and connected to my local ecosystem. Ecology emphasizes the interconnectedness of our natural world. Nothing exists in isolation, but is instead inextricably linked to everything around it. I feel that this sense of belonging and interdependence that is inherent to existence in the natural world has been lost in our highly individualistic society.
The role of an artist is also that of an activist. Artists have always been at the forefront of creating social change. Now, with our current cultural and political climate being particularly polarizing and volatile, the role of artist activists is incredibly important. Art that explores issues like climate change, habitat destruction, and mass extinctions allows audiences to engage with these complex issues and form their own opinions. Our current society and culture can feel very individualistic and disconnected, but art has the ability to reach new audiences, breaking through our current culture's echo chamber of algorithms and increasingly biased sources of information. I hope that by bridging the space between ourselves and the natural world around us, I can foster a sense of connection, community, and belonging within our world, and ultimately inspire others to become better stewards and inhabitants of our collective home.