Dominic Besner: The Architect of Urban Dreams

“Dominic has been creating Besner for 16 years now. He translates his moods onto each canvas according to the mood of the moment and he has fun doing it."

Florence Michel, Mixte Magazine, 2011

Dominic Besner (b. 1965, North Lancaster, Ontario) is a celebrated Canadian painter whose work vibrantly captures the energy and essence of urban life. With a background in architecture, earning his degree from the University of Montreal in 1992, Besner’s creative vision is deeply influenced by the structures, textures, and rhythms of the cityscape. This architectural sensibility permeates his art, where his vibrant compositions merge human figures, animals, and urban environments into dynamic narratives.

Besner’s signature style is defined by his innovative use of mixed media. Employing oil sticks, acrylic paint, structural mortar, Chinese markers, and spray paint, he creates richly textured and vividly colored works. His process often involves using his hands to apply paint and scratching the canvas, resulting in a tactile quality that brings his dynamic subjects to life. The juxtaposition of bold colors and intricate textures reflects the pulsating vitality and chaos of the urban environment.

Thematically, Besner draws inspiration from the life and energy of Montreal, particularly its nightlife and street culture. His characters, often masked and enigmatic, seem to exist in a liminal space between reality and fantasy. These figures, coupled with architectural and organic elements, evoke the tensions and harmonies of city life—at once overwhelming and exhilarating.

Dominic Besner’s work has been exhibited widely across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Morocco, and China, including a notable representation of Canada at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. His paintings are held in prominent public and private collections, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary Canadian art.

With each piece, Besner invites the viewer to step into a vibrant, multifaceted world where the city becomes both a playground and a battleground, a place of beauty and chaos. His art captures not just the physicality of urban spaces but their soul—the dreams, struggles, and stories of the people who inhabit them.