Nevena Bentz

Nevena Bentz, born in 1976 in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, is an artist whose work explores the interconnectedness of all life forms. Growing up among the mountains, forests, and wildflowers deeply shaped her connection to nature, a theme that permeates her art. Her journey has been one of self-discovery and constant transformation resulting in multiple careers, cumulating into her having become a multidisciplinary artist to watch.

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She graduated with honors from the Université de Bourgogne with a Master’s degree in International and European Law. She served as an Assistant Attorney General in Austin, Texas and later became a law professor at American University in Bulgaria.

Despite her extensive legal training and years of practicing law, Nevena turned to art to reclaim her creative spirit, which had always been a quiet but powerful force in her life. This shift from law to art was driven by a deep desire for self-expression and a connection to the natural world that was unfulfilled. The transition to art allowed her to amplify her voice and explore a theme that had long captivated her—humanity’s relationship with nature. 

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The fragility of our planet and the profound need to restore harmony between man and the rest of creation are a central focus in her work which not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also exposes the disruption of its balance caused by human activity. The human and the natural are contrasted, but fuse and reinforce the idea of their oneness. The feminine subjects highlight the nurturing and healing attributes of women and Nature.

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Bentz’ paintings are tactile, sculptural landscapes where nature and the feminine merge in a dynamic dance of resilience and renewal. Nevena layers natural materials like sand and mica, creating textures that echo the earth's organic patterns and challenge the viewer to see beyond the human experience. She contrasts the harmony of nature with the disconnection caused by human activity, prompting reflections on our place within the larger universe. The feminine presence in her work stands as both a co-creator with nature and a peaceful warrior, pushing back against the forces that seek to dominate and exploit.

Nevena’s creative expression extends beyond painting; she is an accomplished jewelry designer, infusing her pieces with the same passion and attention to detail. Her jewelry, like her art, celebrates the beauty of life and the human spirit. A true Renaissance woman, Nevena’s artistry is poetic in nature, and though her work spans different mediums, each piece carries with it a sense of wonder, depth, and reflection.

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Nevena’s art has been featured in exhibitions across Europe and the United States, with gallery representation also at East West Fine Art in Naples, Florida, and Art Symbol Gallery in Paris, France. Her work has garnered international acclaim and is held in private collections around the world. Notable exhibitions include her recent show at Art Symbol Gallery in Paris in 2024, and her featured artist position at Ao5 Gallery in Austin in 2022. These achievements mark her as a rising artist with a unique voice and global reach.

Currently residing in Austin, TX, with her family, Nevena continues to create art that invites others into her world of beauty, nature, and the soulful pursuit of connection. Her works stand as both a personal journey of self-discovery and a universal call to recognize our deep interconnectedness with the natural world.