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The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is pleased to announce “Deconstructing Self: Work by Seth P. Benzel,” on view August 30, 2025-January 4, 2026.

Opening on the second-floor Preview Gallery, “Deconstructing Self” debuts new works by Ocala-based artist Seth Benzel in the form of two- and three-dimensional paintings and is a compelling exploration of transformation and identity through the lens of abstract painting.

Benzel considers himself a process painter. Through his work, he is continuously seeking out different ways to express his fundamental and authentic artistic voice. Whether that is expressed through paper, canvas, mixed media, or most recently, wooden pallets, he feels it all flows from the same source.

Known for his dynamic, layered compositions and deconstructive approach, Benzel invites the viewer to see the work in the context of their own unique human experience.

“Every viewer brings their own story to the artwork, and abstract painting allows us to have a different kind of conversation, leading to unforeseen discoveries,” Benzel said. “When we allow ourselves the space to be open, artwork can challenge us to look at our own lives differently.”

Each painting begins intuitively, with layers of information or emotion. The work is then deconstructed and revised, revealing new possibilities through the process.

“Through this technique I am able to show multiple levels of experience … whether it is spiritual, emotional or transcendent,” Benzel wrote. “From a technical standpoint, this means a process that values mistakes and creates work that is fundamentally resolved but still open for interpretation. Aesthetically this means an experience that is transformative and never stagnant. The work keeps changing within the unchanging. This is where art becomes provocative, challenging, and timeless … when a painting never represents an ending, just another beginning.”

Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program.

Gallery Tour and Meet-and-Greet
Saturday, September 6, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Join artist Seth P. Benzel on Free First Saturday at 11 a.m. in the auditorium for a talk about his solo exhibition, “Deconstructing Self.” Following the talk, guests are invited to view the exhibition with the artist and participate in a Q&A. At 2 p.m., Benzel will return to the “Deconstructing Self” gallery for an informal meet-and-greet, offering another opportunity to engage with the artist and ask questions about his work. Events are free as part of Free First Saturday, and no reservations are required.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

Topics and concepts presented at this event are for discussion purposes only and are not intended to espouse, promote, advance, inculcate, or compel individuals to believe the topics or concepts presented therein. Nor do they constitute endorsement of such topics or concepts by the College of Central Florida, its Board of Trustees, or any of their officers, employees, or agents.