Born in New Orleans, Robert Benjamin Stiles (Benji) is a transdisciplinary artist and educator who lives and works in Houston. He holds a BA from the University of St. Thomas, with a major in Art History and a minor in Studio Art and is currently a MFA candidate at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art). His work ranges from non-representational painting focusing on diverse mark making and color theory, to conceptual sculpture, assemblage, and installation work using a variety of media including historical and found objects. 

Since 2019, Stiles has established a successful practice at Hardy and Nance Studios while exhibiting work throughout the region including three solo shows (Hardy & Nance Gallery, 2020; Lone Star College, 2021; G-Contemporary, 2022; Reeves Art + Design, 2023). Recent group shows include: Collect It For the Culture 2021 (curated by Robert Hodge) where he showed a diverse collection of work alongside 30 artist including: Rick Lowe, Robert Hodge, Ann Johnson, and Jamal Cyrus, the 2021 “Big Show” at Lawndale, and the 37th juried VAA exhibition where his work was selected by the Smithsonian’s Head of Modern Art, Harry Cooper, as one of the top 3 pieces in the open call. Stiles has 2 pieces in the Museum of Fine Arts Houston collection.  

He has several curatorial credits with diverse groups of recognized national and regional artists, including: Rise and Fall Show (Hardy & Nance Studios - main gallery, 2020), Whole in Pieces (Monterroso Gallery, 2022). Stiles has twice exhibited work at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston: April 2023 for the CAMH’s annual auction and May 2022 through the CAMHLab residency program with a group of educators and students as lead curator.