Ben Rheault Exhibit: “It Used to Be Simple”

By Dan Nygard
Contributing Writer

In the middle of my conversation with local mixed-media painter Ben Rheault, we had to pause for a moment when a child of no more than three years broke free from his parents and sprinted wildly past our table, pulling a toy truck on a string. The roar of the truck as it dragged across the floor filled the air, and every adult in Atomic turned to get a look at the tiny fugitive.

“How appropriate,” I said.

We had been discussing Rheault’s latest exhibit, titled “It Used to be Simple,” which is a departure from Rheault’s previous showings at Green Market in 2007 and The Upfront Gallery in 2005. “My older work I would describe as sarcastic observations of modern life. The stuff I’m working with now…maybe colorful reflections of youth.” Rheault has teamed with Mark Weiler at ecce art+yoga to present his latest.

Rheault was easygoing and we laughed often during our conversation. Much more “average Joe” than “artsy-fartsy,” he will more often be found at the Aquarium watching a show than at the Hodo sipping wine. His basement studio in his Fargo home reflects that aesthetic; it is wood-frame and concrete, with a simple easel on a tarp. It is the kind of room a band would find to set up a practice space.

Recently married, still unpacking boxes from the move from apartment to house, Rheault’s work in this series dwells on childhood, that time free of mortgage payments and deadlines. Speaking of deadlines, “I actually had to get an extension from Mark for this one due to the move,” Rheault said.

To evoke childhood, Rheault began by seeking out photographs of playground equipment.  Initially, he looked at swings, slides and jungle gyms.  But Rheault found these things to be “really static and boring without a human occupying (them).” Later, though, he found his muse in carrousels and spring horses: “these horses had the illusion of movement and were a symbol of youth,” Rheault said.

Influenced mostly by local artists he knows personally and went to school with, such as Andy Stark and John Berry (who has since moved away), Rheault began with his first (and still his favorite) piece in this series, “Sand Rockers #1.” Set against a dark violet background, two spring horses almost appear to be racing each other. One is very bright; the other is almost the same color as the background.  This piece highlights what ecce owner Mark Weiler calls the “more personal” approach Rheault has taken.  There is no overt political symbolism; viewers are free to draw their own conclusions.  In fact, Rheault deliberately chose not to issue any artist statements.

Weiler added that Rheault’s work may be viewed as “a subtle commentary on the suburbanization of these towns in the Midwest.” He gave Rheault the exhibit because he admired the artistry and unique nature of Rheault’s works. “There’s a niche for this style.”

Rheault gives a lot of credit to his wife, Megan, for putting up with him when he is in the middle of his work. “I’m not that easy to deal with when I’m on a deadline,” he said. “She handled it really well.”

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If You Go

What: Ben Rheault: “It Used to Be Simple”
Where: ecce art + yoga
When: Tue-Sun 12-6 pm, through April 1
Info: 701.298.3223