Benny Or is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist and first-generation Canadian from Hong Kong. His artistic journey began at the University of Waterloo, where he studied architecture—a discipline that laid the groundwork for his unique approach to storytelling and atmosphere in entertainment production design and creative direction. His work in this field includes collaborations with high-profile clients like Billie Eilish, Marvel Universe Live, and Disney on Ice, where he honed his skills in creating immersive experiences.
In 2018, Or's influence in the art world was officially recognized when Artnet named him a top art influencer to follow. This accolade celebrated his pivotal role in documenting and promoting emerging artists on social media. The following year, he further expanded his creative endeavors into the digital realm by collaborating with French artist Cyril Lancelin on 'The Meeting Place' in 2019. This project, which explored Metaverse architecture and Web3 technology, aimed to challenge notions of architecture in virtual reality while creating inclusive spaces for the global LGBTQIA+ community. It garnered recognition from Hypebeast and Metropolis Magazine and earned a finalist nomination in Interior Design Magazine's first Metaverse Art and Design Awards.
The anti-Asian hate incidents of 2021 profoundly influenced Benny, prompting him to turn his focus full-time to painting in 2023. His first body of work consists of intimate still-life compositions on wood panels that delve into themes of cultural identity, displacement, and the occult. These paintings draw deeply from his family history of immigration, trauma, and resilience during the shifts of Communist China, a narrative enriched by the spiritual legacy of his great-grandmother, a renowned shamanic healer.
Benny's paintings explore how humans attribute meaning and mystical power to inanimate objects. Through his art, he questions our ability to resurrect lost histories and challenges the boundaries between history and lore. His work invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of tradition and contemporary life, bridging the past with the present through deliberate compositions and vivid color palettes.