Ben's Box

Mary Fedden’s 1994 painting Ben’s Box exemplifies her distinctive approach within the realm of still life. Known for her bold use of color and simplified forms, Fedden blends elements of Naïve art (primitivism) with a sophisticated modernist sensibility. The composition, centered on the concept of a “box,” reflects her interest in everyday objects rendered with a playful yet structured technique. Fedden’s work from this period showcases an interplay of flat planes and gentle textures, emphasizing shape and color over realism, creating an engaging dialogue between abstraction and familiarity within the still life genre.