THOMAS W. BENTON (1930-2007) [DICK KIENAST] & [HART.] Two posters. 1984 and 1988. Sizes vary. Condition varies, generally B+: both hand-signed by the artist. "Hart" marked as a proof, mounted on board; "Dick Kienast" framed. Benton, who served in the Korean War, studied architecture through the G.I. Bill at the University of Southern California. He practiced in Los Angeles, where he designed both commercial and residential buildings, then moved to Aspen, Colorado in 1963. Benton became politically active in the middle of the decade and abandoned architecture to focus on his art, the most visible product of which were his protest posters. "He went on to create campaign posters for more than fifty candidates including George McGovern, Gary Hart and Willie Brown. Benton also created numerous cause posters for local benefits, nonprofits and charitable causes that suited his beliefs" (Benton p. 11). "Benton combined his love of poetry, quotes and design to create dozens of conceptual works of art. The visual images and words work in tandem to make a point and leave ample room for the viewer to reflect on the composition" (Benton p. 101). Images available upon request. Benton p. 37 (var) and p. 42.
![THOMAS W. BENTON (1930-2007). [DICK KIENAST] & [HART.] Two posters. 1984 and 1988. Sizes vary.](https://catalogue.swanngalleries.com/full//296\769296.jpg)