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Information on Leo Bensemann

Leo Vernon Bensemann, a multifaceted and influential figure in New Zealand's art and literary circles, was born on May 1, 1912, in Tākaka, Golden Bay. His German immigrant great-grandparents had settled in the Moutere hills near Nelson in the 1840s. Bensemann's early life in Nelson included education at Nelson College, where he showed early promise in both art and sports.

In 1931, Bensemann moved to Christchurch with his lifelong friend and lover, Lawrence Baigent. He found work as a commercial artist and immersed himself in self-taught education in music and German literature, art, and music. His early artistic endeavors included joining the Caxton Press in 1937, where he contributed to various publications as a designer, typographer, illustrator, and printer.

Bensemann's artistic style was eclectic and idiosyncratic, drawing influences from German painters like Cranach, Holbein, and Dürer, as well as Japanese woodcut artists. His works often blended the fantastic with realistic portrayals, especially in his portraits and landscapes.

He joined The Group in 1938, an assembly of artists who challenged the conservative art establishment in New Zealand. Bensemann played a central role in this group, hosting meetings and contributing to exhibitions over the years. His participation in The Group positioned him at the heart of Christchurch's vibrant cultural scene during the 1930s and 1940s.

During World War II, Bensemann, a pacifist, co-founded the Canterbury branch of the Fellowship of Conscientious Objectors. He married Elsie Mary Barrett in 1943, with whom he had four children. Despite his marriage, later biographies and accounts suggest that Bensemann may have been gay or bisexual, a topic that was not publicly acknowledged during his lifetime but became a subject of discussion posthumously.

Bensemann's contributions to the literary scene were also significant. He was instrumental in the publication of the literary quarterly Landfall, serving as its editor between 1972 and 1975. He also co-edited the journal Ascent. His leadership at the Caxton Press and involvement in Landfall made him a key figure in New Zealand's literary world.

In his later years, Bensemann returned to painting, focusing on landscapes inspired by his visits to Golden Bay and Takaka. This period marked a departure from his earlier surrealist figures, simplifying his style to capture the essence of the landscape.

Bensemann's work, though under-recognized during his lifetime, held a significant place in New Zealand's artistic heritage. He died on January 2, 1986, leaving behind a legacy of artistic innovation and cultural influence. His life's journey, from a self-taught artist in a small New Zealand town to a central figure in the country's art and literary circles, is a testament to his unique vision and enduring impact on New Zealand's cultural landscape.

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Date written:29th December 2023
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