Dialogue as Art: A Duo Exhibition by Andrew Bentson & Gorman Bentley. The Story Behind their Creative Exchange

When Andrew Bentson and Gorman Bentley first crossed paths at an art exhibition years ago, they likely didn’t anticipate the profound connection that would come to define their artistic practices. But what began as a casual exchange quickly transformed into an enduring dialogue—one that now boasts an extraordinary record of over 16,000 text messages shared so far. Their latest collaboration, Dialogue: A Duo Exhibition, premiering at the Ahmad Shariff Art Gallery on Saturday, April 5th, is the culmination of this ceaseless exchange, a testament to the transformative power of creative conversation.

The Foundation of a Friendship

Both artists remember their first conversations vividly, and how quickly their mutual respect for one another’s perspectives took root. Bentley, known for his dark use of color and smooth texture, recalls the moment their dialogue began: “We were talking about how silence could be translated into art. It wasn’t about finding the ‘right’ answer—it was about exploring the idea together.”

For Bentson, this exchange was a revelation. “Gorman doesn’t just listen—he pushes you to dig deeper, to think differently. I knew then that this wasn’t just going to be a one-time collaboration. This was the beginning of something much bigger.”

Their friendship and artistic partnership evolved into a relentless back-and-forth of ideas, questions, and challenges that now spans years. Through their text exchanges, which average dozens of messages each day, they’ve explored topics ranging from the philosophical to the deeply personal. “It’s like a rhythm,” Bentley says. “Every text builds on the last, creating a flow that carries us both forward.”

Andrew Bentson's painting on the left depicts a nostalgic tricycle in front of a house and garage, under cloudy skies and power lines, evoking memories and emotional resonance, much like the thoughtful conversations he shares with Gorman Bentley. On the right, Bentley's abstract piece uses textured browns and beiges to create a sense of depth and complexity, reflecting ambiguity and exploration, key themes in their dialogue. Together, these works showcase their friendship and the over 16,000 daily text messages that fuel their creative exchange, blending personal expression and collaborative inspiration in their exhibit, Dialogue.

Andrew Bentson

About Andrew Bentson

Andrew Bentson’s work is characterized by bold experimentation with color and intricate textural layering. With a background in Landscape Architecture from the California Polytechnic State University, his pieces delve into the emotional landscapes of human experience. “For me, art is about bridging thought and emotion,” he explains. “And dialogue with Gorman allows me to see the world in ways I never could on my own.”

Bentson believes in the power of creative exchange to challenge his perspective. One of his favorite moments from their texts was when Bentley described his idea of “static movement” in art. “I had no idea what he meant at first,” Bentson laughs. “But that one phrase led to weeks of exploration and two of the most significant pieces in this exhibit.”

Gorman Bentley

About Gorman Bentley

Gorman Bentley’s art is rooted in narrative and dynamic form, often exploring tension and harmony through structure. He sees storytelling as a cornerstone of his practice. “My work isn’t complete until it engages someone else,” he says. “And my dialogue with Andrew is the starting point for that engagement.”

Bentley credits their daily exchanges with helping him break through creative blocks. “There’s something incredibly freeing about having someone you trust to share ideas with. When I’m stuck, I know I can send Andrew a quick sketch or a question, and within minutes, he’ll push me to see it differently.”

From left to right; Ahmad Shariff (Gallery Owner), Andrew Bentson and Gorman Bentley

The Power of 16,000+ Messages

Their shared history is documented in the staggering archive of over 16,000 text messages—a modern-day correspondence that reflects the depth and breadth of their dialogue. These messages cover everything from artistic theories and personal struggles to fleeting moments of humor and inspiration.

Bentley shares one particularly memorable exchange: “I texted Andrew at 2 AM with this ridiculous question—‘What does the concept of ‘infinity’ feel like in three dimensions?’ By morning, he had sent me three sketches, and we spent the next week trying to answer the question visually. One of those sketches turned into a centerpiece for this exhibit.”

For Bentson, the messages are more than just words. “They’re like seeds,” he says. “Some grow into full-fledged works of art, while others just enrich the soil of our creative process.”

Dialogue: The Exhibition

The exhibit itself is a reflection of this continuous exchange. Each piece tells a story—not just of the artists’ individual journeys, but of their shared exploration. Works such as “Echoes” and “Ambiguous Symphony” showcase their ability to balance contrasting styles, blending Bentson’s bold textures with Bentley’s dynamic forms.

Walking through the gallery feels like stepping into their conversation. Themes of ambiguity, certainty, and connection weave through each piece, creating a dialogue not just between the two artists but between the works and the audience.

“This exhibition isn’t about presenting answers,” Bentson explains. “It’s about inviting people to join the conversation—to question, to feel, to connect.”

Conclusion: A Celebration of Creative Friendship

Dialogue is more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of friendship, curiosity, and the transformative power of collaboration. For Bentson and Bentley, their 16,000 messages are proof that true dialogue—whether spoken, written, or painted—has the power to inspire, challenge, and create something extraordinary.

Through their art, they’ve redefined what it means to communicate, proving that when two creative minds come together, the result is not just a dialogue, but a masterpiece.

Join the conversation at Ahmad Shariff Art Gallery on Saturday, April 5th, from 6 PM to 9 PM. Let Dialogue inspire your own journey of connection and creativity.