BENJAMIN A. VIERLING

Benjamin A. Vierling is known for his diversely applied renderings of arcane subjects. Born in 1974, he developed an affinity with the fine arts during his childhood in San Francisco, and has studied independently in the United States and in Europe. Using predominantly a 15th century technique of mixing egg tempera & oil pigments, his work exalts the aesthetic ideal that art has the ability to unify disparate paradigms. Mythical references are integrated with contemporary subjects to bridge the timeless with the ephemeral in his iconic compositions.

Vierling's paintings are exhibited internationally, most recently in Seattle, New York, Cologne, and Berlin, and have been featured by many notable art publications including Juxtapoz, High Fructose, Miroir Magazine, The Clavis Journal, and the TYR Journal. His meticulously researched illustrations have accompanied translations of renaissance alchemical texts, including Count Michael Maier's arcane allegory, Jocus Severus, published by Ouroboros Press. Vierling's emblematic imagery has further adorned numerous book and album covers, including Daniel Schulke's study of witchcraft and poisons, Veneficium, as well as Joanna Newsom's critically acclaimed symphonic folk record, Ys.

A Decennary Retrospective of Vierling's work was shown in 2014 at the Gage Academy of Art, a classical painting school in Seattle, Washington. The exhibition showcased previously unexhibited works, select paintings on loan from private collections, preliminary drawings, and various illustrations, to provide a unique view of Vierling's diverse oeuvre from the previous 10 years. A concurrent lecture was given at the school, The Synthesis of Conflicting Forces, in which the artist discussed his techniques, influences and working processes.

"What makes the act of painting so profound is the actual process of seeing and rendering; the bridge from eye to hand. It’s an endeavor that literally evokes an inchoate vision and gives it a physical presence. The art lies in tempering inspiration with the structure of technique." 


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Sacred Heart. Oil and egg tempera on panel; 60.9 x 45.7 cm (24″ x 18 ″). 

Vanitas Vanitatum Omnia Vanitas. Oil and egg tempera on panel; 60.9 x 91.4 cm (24″ x 36″).  

Valkyrie. Oil and egg tempera on panel; 76.2 x 60.9 cm (30″ x 24″).