Dominic Besner
Dominic Besner, born in 1965 in North Lancaster, Ontario, earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Montreal in 1992. His background in architecture has deeply influenced his artistic vision, shaping the way he thinks about cities, structures, and the world around him.
Known for his vibrant, textured paintings, Besner mixes oil sticks, acrylics, structural mortar, China markers, and spray paint. He applies these materials with a blend of finger-painting and scraping techniques, creating bold, layered works that almost seem to break free from the canvas.
At the heart of Besner’s art is a fascination with the city—his own imagined, dreamlike versions that borrow elements from medieval architecture. His paintings are filled with towers, arches, and window-like shapes, but they don’t follow a simple, linear perspective. Instead, they evoke a sense of tension and complexity, as if the city is alive and constantly shifting.
Besner’s characters—often masked and theatrical—bring his urban worlds to life. They aren’t passive; they engage with us, as if they’re aware of our presence and asking the same questions that inspired their creation. His characters capture the fleeting, sometimes playful moments of life, reminding us of the balance between joy and struggle.
Animals also feature heavily in Besner’s work, serving as symbols of humanity’s deepest passions. These creatures reflect the raw, powerful forces that shape life—whether it’s the playful or the fierce. Set within Besner’s vibrant, chaotic cities, the animals remind us of the intensity and energy of the world around us.
Besner’s use of fine black lines to create movement and detail adds another layer to his work. These lines aren’t just decorative—they help guide us into his intricate, imaginative spaces, offering a window into his creative process.
Through it all, Besner’s characters and cities seem to be constantly moving toward the future, driven by the same forces of hope and conflict that we all experience.
