This work by Ben Keller features the lettering “Providence” drawn from a 1918 map of the city amid a field of abstract sunflowers. Wild sunflowers are native to North America and visible throughout Rhode Island and New England during the warmer months and are a beloved summertime symbol of happiness and joy. Sunflowers hold special meaning in Providence, which hosted 10,000 Suns annually for several years. The project was a former summer-long botanical performance by DESIGN UNDER SKY, beginning in 2016. The local Landscape Architecture Studio (along with the help of community volunteers) planted 10,000 sunflower seeds which were nurtured and cared for over the course of the summer months.
Providence has multiple meanings, the most obvious being the name of the city, however, providence also means “the protective care of nature as a spiritual power”. When taken in context with the flowers, the mural as a whole becomes allegorical, offering up a fortuitous future for the city.
The artwork also connects to other exhibits in the city featuring sunflowers, such as Gaia’s “Still Here” and Joanna Vespia’s “Hope.”
About the artist: Ben Keller
Ben Keller began painting at a very young age. As a child, he was often dragged to painting lessons by his mother, but his initial resistance always dissipated once he picked up a brush. Over the years his passion grew and evolved; as a teenager, Ben became highly influenced by the infamous graffiti artist, Barry McGee and began experimenting with spray paint and larger surfaces. As an adult, after many jobs in every line of work, Ben embraced a full time artistic career and has been honing his skills and unique visual voice ever since.
Ben’s work is prominent in his home state of Connecticut and the surrounding areas. He prioritizes sense of place and of his style, he writes, “I love integrating those natural, hand painted qualities into my work. A combination of realism meeting expressionism. The impact of painting on such a large surface is undeniable.” He has always been deeply intrigued by human form and nature – many works within his portfolio include figural and floral elements.
About the location:
Huntington Exchange Providence, a key part of the Federal Hill skyline, is an apartment community in the heart of Providence. For more information, please visit huntingtonexchangeprovidence.com.
