Noods, Alexander Banerjee, 2023, ink ball pen on paper, 8.5 x 12 in. / 21.59 x 30.48 cm.

Human Touch: Alexander Banerjee’s Ballpoint Pen Work

September 17, 2024 Gavin Coates

Featured image: Noods, Alexander Banerjee, 2023, ink ball pen on paper, 8.5 x 12 in. / 21.59 x 30.48 cm.

Alexander Banerjee’s ballpoint pen drawings delve into contemporary issues such as the rise of AI, the struggles of human identity, and the timeless battle against existential threats.

Alexander Banerjee is an artist known for his detailed ballpoint pen drawings that explore themes of AI, human identity, and existential threats.

Each piece, painstakingly crafted over many months, showcases Banerjee’s skill with the medium and his ability to evoke deep reflection on the human condition. The labor-intensive nature of these artworks stands in stark contrast to the themes they explore, particularly in a world increasingly dominated by quick, digital creations.

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Servers (2024):

Servers, Alexander Banerjee, 2024, ballpoint pen on papers, 11 x 7 in. / 27.94 x 17.78 cm.

"Servers" is both a reflection and a critique of the growing presence of AI in the art world. Banerjee’s choice of medium—ballpoint pen—serves as a statement in itself, emphasizing the human labor and time required to produce such detailed work. The artwork features a scene reminiscent of Edward Hopper’s "Nighthawks," but with humanoid robots taking the place of the patrons. The setting, a diner labeled "SERVERS," is an eerie and ironic nod to the roles these machines play in society. The piece captures Banerjee’s fear of AI’s encroachment on creative fields, challenging viewers to consider the implications of a future where art is no longer human-made.

Mostly Water (2023):

Mostly Water, Alexander Banerjee, 2023, ball ink pen on paper, 11 x 7 in. / 27.94 x 17.78 cm.

In "Mostly Water," Banerjee addresses the bittersweet journey of self-realization that comes with growing up. The image of a figure with a watermelon for a head, split open and spilling its contents, is a powerful metaphor for the loss of childhood innocence and the realization of one's ordinariness. The simplistic yet poignant use of ballpoint pen on paper conveys the vulnerability and rawness of this transition. This artwork speaks to the universal experience of confronting reality and the inevitable, albeit uncomfortable, acceptance of our place in the world.

Born Sick (2018):

Born Sick, Alexander Banerjee, 2018, ballpoint pen on paper, 11 x 14 in. / 27.94 x 35.56 cm.

"Born Sick" delves into the darker side of human history, exploring the concept of being "hunted" by forces beyond our control. The central figure, composed of rough stones, represents the human body, surrounded by serpentine creatures and shadowy hands reaching out in all directions. Banerjee’s use of monochromatic tones enhances the sense of foreboding and despair that permeates the piece. The drawing is a haunting reminder of the fears and superstitions that have plagued humanity throughout history, from witch hunts to modern-day mental health struggles.

Alexander Banerjee’s work offers a window into the complex and often troubling aspects of modern life, from the rise of AI to the existential crises we face as individuals. His detailed ballpoint pen drawings not only showcase his technical mastery but also invite viewers to engage with the deeper themes he explores. Through "Servers," "Mostly Water," and "Born Sick," Banerjee continues to provoke thought and conversation about the future of humanity in an increasingly mechanized and impersonal world.

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