by Focus Staff
LGBT artist and philanthropist Ben Workman aka Jumper Maybach unveiled his latest series of artwork, a collection of 54 pieces never-before-seen in the United States which the artist created specifically for a 2014 exhibition in Venice, Italy.
The collection, which the Artist is called The Venetian Series consists of over two dozen large-format abstract pieces meant to become the focal point of a home.
“The Venetian series is about my love for beauty, peace and the expression of love,” states Maybach. “The people of Venice are so accepting of all humanity. They are so expressive people. When I was asked to have an Exhibition at one of the most beautiful museums in the world, I immediately accepted the invitation. The Villa Pisani National Museum located in Stra Venice, Italy was like stepping back in time to experience an era long gone from today’s hustle and bustle. The inspiration, spiritual and magical experience has empowered me to never give up on my journey to helping people through my artistic freedoms.”
Ben Workman, aka Jumper Maybach, was born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1963. He believes it is a person’s traumas that define an individual and releases his joys and pain into the art while becoming the storyteller of the creations. Jumper’s techniques are self-taught through intense experimentation leading to an end result which is truly unique and representative of the artist. It’s about understanding love, peace and the transformation of an individual.
Jumper’s art is a constant evolution of color and complete abandonment of the paint. It is an unplanned performance that creates extraordinary works. The complexity within Jumper’s art comes from within. Jumper is unashamed to teach the world a lesson in compassion. His art is a beacon for ending hate, bullying, and intolerance in the world.
Not long after Jumper began his career as an artist, he started to receive national and international recognition for his work. In 2013, Jumper held his first gallery show, which ultimately led to an invite to attend Art Dubai 2013, UAE as a VIP guest. The Artist exhibited in Dubai, UAE in 2015 and 2017 at the prestigious ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE.
“I was told by the Minister of Arts and Culture, ‘you’re the 21st Century Jackson Pollock with a lot of color.’ I was intrigued by the statement and a friend gave me a copy of Pollock’s documentary when I returned home. I viewed the film and was amazed at Pollock’s talents. I’m honored to be compared to Pollock,” recalls Jumper.
Shortly after Art Dubai, Jumper had the opportunity to present 39 pieces of art in Venice, Italy. Another career highlight occurred when Jumper was invited to exhibit his art at the Galerie Du Louvre. “I made a series specifically for Paris. It was a great honor to have my art in the Louvre. It all seems so surreal.”
Jumper appreciates the opportunities he has been given and takes time to give back to multiple LGBT+ organizations around the country through both financial and artistic contributions. He and his partner David actively support GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the Matthew Shepard Foundation, AIDS Foundation Houston, The Montrose Center, Houston Gay Pride and the Trevor Project in addition to other local and national charities.
Jumper believes one of the largest challenges facing the LGBT+ community is the community itself. “We can’t fight intolerance and bullying when we play along with the bigots. I know so many friends who are out in our “safe” community but at their workplace, they play “straight”. This is a cause for alarm. When you can’t live a free healthy life at work, then you’re in an unsafe work environment.”
He goes on to explain that this form of environment creates an atmosphere for bullies. “If you discover your environment as unsafe after coming out, then sue or leave. I must say, see my documentary “The Jumper Maybach Story” to understand what being outed can lead to. I personally chose to stay and fight. If we all did this, change would occur. It takes tremendous strength and courage to fight bullies.”
In the next decade, Jumper would like to actively pursue his mission of ending hate, bullying and intolerance through art. “I want my art to cause the viewer to step back and realize why Jumper created it. If it causes the viewer to take a breath and let Love enter their heart, then Jumper has fulfilled his mission.”
