JOVIEL BUENAVENTE

​

BFA PRINTMAKING AND SCULPTURE

Joviel Buenavente is an emerging multimedia artist based in Regina Saskatchewan. Having been exposed to a range of media at the University of Regina, his BFA has largely focussed on the creative and conceptual possibilities of sculpture and printmaking. 
His sculpture work focuses heavily on narrative, as well as the sense of isolation juxtaposed with a sense of belonging. Inspired by carnival sideshows, the dioramas feature people exhibiting various body deformations. These deformations are then connected to creatures from various folklore and mythologies, bringing these creatures of fantasy into reality. Their distinct features isolate them from everyone else, but within the setting of a carnival sideshow, this distinction is celebrated. 
On the other hand, his print work deals with emotions—one of the most defining aspects of being human, but more specifically unrequited love. The repetitive and often exhausting process of printmaking is used as a metaphor for how the artist himself deals with his own emotions: [carefully thought out and planned]. Text has recently become an important component of the work, taking the form of a book. In addition to the printed words, other narratives or interpretations can be read based on how the words are presented: through the use of colour, or how the words relate and interact with each other.
Influenced by his experiences coming from an environment where differences in appearance, behaviour, or mannerisms are ridiculed, he finds similarities between himself and the subjects or “freaks” in his dioramas. Fearing the possibility of being ridiculed, he closed himself off to others and to his emotional self. Feelings and emotions to him now are a foreign concept and he finds it challenging to express himself emotionally. 
In general, The Weaver and you will never love me back explore the theme of intimacy. The miniature and detailed world of The Weaver  forces the viewer to observe all components of the piece more closely invoking intimacy; it creates an experience that will be unique to each viewer. Moreover, a book is inherently intimate—from when a book was read to you as a child to help you fall asleep or when you are reading a book by yourself. you will never love me back requires the viewer to rip open the book to access the pages.