Heather Benjamin's 'New Strangeness Bloom' Rewrites Myths of Womanhood

Set against dreamlike desert landscapes.

Art 
219 0 Comments

Heather Benjamin’s New Strangeness Bloom, now on view at Olympia in NYC, explores the complexities of womanhood through surreal, symbol-filled paintings. Drawing from her background in zine-making, Benjamin blends mythology, memory and self-exploration into dreamlike desert landscapes.

Her figures, part deity and part drifter, navigate barren worlds where strange flowers thrive under electric skies. These blooms, both real and symbolic, represent resilience in harsh environments. Inspired by Surrealism and outsider art, Benjamin’s work mixes the raw and the fantastical: floating lovers, cryptic phrases on cowboy hats and butterflies emerging from shattered mirrors.

Referencing Diane di Prima’s Loba, the exhibition reimagines femininity through a warped Americana lens. Elements like polished claws, crushed cockroaches and shifting realities challenge traditional myths of womanhood. The exhibition is on view through March 29.

Olympia
41 Orchard St.
New York, NY 10002

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Art Collective FriendsWithYou Presents a New System of “Myths”
Art 

Art Collective FriendsWithYou Presents a New System of “Myths”

Presented by PARCO
Hypebeast speaks with Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III at “PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO” about the “The Ocean — Temple of the Sacred Heart” exhibition.

Kaikai Kiki Gallery Presents ‘LONGER THAN THE MYTH OF THE GALAXY
alternative future’ By Aya Takano
Art 

Kaikai Kiki Gallery Presents ‘LONGER THAN THE MYTH OF THE GALAXY
alternative future’ By Aya Takano

The artist’s first solo showcase in a decade.

Retrospective of Nobuhiko Obayashi's Coming-of-Age Films Hits New York
Art

Retrospective of Nobuhiko Obayashi's Coming-of-Age Films Hits New York

Six films by the cult-classic ‘House’ director, rarely seen outside of Japan.


Henry Cavill Is the New Face of Longines
Watches

Henry Cavill Is the New Face of Longines

The Ambassador of Elegance.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Teases His Nike Giannis Freak 7
Footwear

Giannis Antetokounmpo Teases His Nike Giannis Freak 7

Offering an in-hand preview of his next signature shoe.

G-SHOCK Dives Into the Great Blue With Oasis Series
Watches

G-SHOCK Dives Into the Great Blue With Oasis Series

Presented by G-Shock
Vibrant blue-green accents dominate classic iterations of the GA-2100 and GA-110 lines.

First Look at the Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 '87 "White"
Footwear

First Look at the Supreme x Nike Air Max 1 '87 "White"

The much-anticipated collaboration is rumored to be dropping on Air Max Day later this month.

The 5 Best Runways at Paris Fashion Week FW25
Fashion

The 5 Best Runways at Paris Fashion Week FW25

From Matières Fécales’s sinister debut to Duran Lantink’s eye-grabbing dysmorphia, here is what we loved at PFW this season.

David Altmejd Unleashes 'The Serpent' at White Cube New York
Art 

David Altmejd Unleashes 'The Serpent' at White Cube New York

The show delves into the interplay of order and chaos.


Shein Confirms Plans To Pursue IPO
Fashion

Shein Confirms Plans To Pursue IPO

The brand’s executive chairman doubled down on plans to move forward amidst potential tariffs and uncertain economic waters.

Rich Brian Readies New Album With Lead Single "Little Ray Of Light"
Music

Rich Brian Readies New Album With Lead Single "Little Ray Of Light"

‘WHERE IS MY HEAD?’ is due out May 23.

KEEN and Études Studio Drop Monogrammed Newport Sandals For SS25
Footwear

KEEN and Études Studio Drop Monogrammed Newport Sandals For SS25

Accompanied by a poetic campaign shot by Grégoire Dyer and choreographed by Pauline Lavogez.

Louis Tomlinson's 28 Goes "From Rebellion to Refinement" for Collection IV
Fashion

Louis Tomlinson's 28 Goes "From Rebellion to Refinement" for Collection IV

The Doncaster superstar expands the brand’s visual identity with elevated essentials.

Moncler And Leica Team Up For FW25 Courchevel Runway
Fashion

Moncler And Leica Team Up For FW25 Courchevel Runway

The limited edition camera will be gifted to guests on the mountainside runway.

More ▾