Date of Birth: June 7, 1934
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Biography
Billy Al Bengston, an influential American artist, was born on June 7, 1934, in Dodge City, Kansas. Best known for his involvement in the Los Angeles art scene, Bengston’s work often encompasses elements of Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism. He studied at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland before transferring to the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. Bengston’s early work was heavily influenced by his fascination with motorcycle culture and surf culture, which is evident in his use of vibrant colors and industrial materials. Throughout his career, Bengston exhibited extensively, including at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles, which was a pivotal venue for West Coast artists. His works are held in major collections such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Bengston’s contributions to the art world have been recognized through various awards and retrospectives.
5 Interesting Facts about Billy Al Bengston
1. Billy Al Bengston is also an accomplished motorcyclist and was known for his participation in competitive racing.
2. He was a key figure in the 1960s Los Angeles art scene and was closely associated with the “Cool School” of artists.
3. Bengston often incorporated automotive lacquer and other non-traditional materials into his paintings.
4. He was featured in the 1962 exhibition “New Painting of Common Objects,” often considered the first Pop Art show in America.
5. Despite his association with Pop Art, Bengston’s work often defies easy categorization, blending elements of minimalism and abstraction.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Billy Al Bengston
1. “Art is anything you can get away with.”
2. “I don’t believe in art. I believe in artists.”
3. “The motorcycle has been a way of life for me, a way to break free and think differently.”
4. “To me, painting is about solving problems, not about making statements.”
5. “I paint what I want, when I want, and how I want.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Billy Al Bengston achieved a highest net worth of approximately $5 million.
Children
Billy Al Bengston has one known child, a son named Buster Bengston.
Relevant Links
1. [Billy Al Bengston at MoMA](https://www.moma.org/artists/467
2. [Billy Al Bengston at LACMA](https://collections.lacma.org/node/167953
4. [Billy Al Bengston at Whitney Museum](https://whitney.org/artists/166
5. [Biography on Artnet](http://www.artnet.com/artists/billy-al-bengston/biography
