The artwork “Art Is Ego” by the artist Ben, created in 1971, is a seminal piece within the Conceptual Art movement and belongs to the genre of photo-based artwork. The piece exudes a raw self-reflective quality, making a stark statement on the nature of artistic ego.
The artwork is a black-and-white photograph of a man with a beard, styled distinctively. At the top of the artwork, the artist has written by hand in a prominent, cursive script, the words: “Art is Ego. just look at me. I want glory. Ben.” This statement juxtaposes the self-portrait image, emphasizing the artist’s direct confrontation with the viewer about the nature of artistic ambition and personal expression. The handwriting, informal yet bold, adds a personal touch, strengthening the conceptual aspect of the piece. The lower right corner of the artwork is marked with an edition number, “37/100 Ben,” indicating it is a limited print. This contributes to the piece’s exclusivity and underscores the artist’s commentary on ego and recognition within the art world.
