Ron Benner
Site-specific installation, black and white laminated photographs, corn plants, and corn roast performance
Maize/corn has been grown and roasted in the Americas for over 6,000 years. Its dissemination to Europe as a curiosity began with the first voyage by the Italian merchant mariner, Christopher Columbus (c.1446-1506) to the Caribbean in 1492 A.D. Its dissemination to Africa and Asia began with the Portuguese Pedro Álvares Cabral's voyage to India via Brazil, which he is credited as "discovering" on April 22, 1500 A.D. Today maize is grown, harvested and roasted throughout the world. Corn roasters can be found plying their trade in such diverse corners of the world as Beirut, Lebanon; Cologne, Germany; Cuzco, Peru; Hoi An, Viet Nam; London, Canada; Mexico City, Mexico; Mombasa, Kenya; Mumbai, India; Tokyo, Japan; and now Toronto, Canada. Images of Benner's fellow corn roasters are displayed to accompany his performance, along with the word "corn" in 45 languages.
Born in London, Ontario where he continues to live, Ron Benner studied agricultural engineering at the University of Guelph before embarking on a career as an artist. Working in a variety of diverse media he produces compelling and provocative works that examine colonialism and biodiversity. His works are in numerous collections including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario and Casa De Las Americas, Havana.
In association with Victoria University in the University of Toronto.
Patron Arts Supporter
Map location 1
Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland Street and Bellair Street)
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