Ben Turnbull SIGNED I Don't Like Mondays An Exhibition of Wasted Youth Catalogue

Description: I Don't Like Mondays: An Exhibition of Wasted Youth, 21 October - 7 November 2009 by Ben TurnbullSigned on the front cover by Ben Turnbull (without dedication); 2009 1st ed published by Eleven Fine Art, 11 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9LX, 16pp., text sound, top staple rusty, slight edge wear to covers including slight creasing to the front left hand side.FROM A LIMITED PRINT RUN OF 500 COPIES. TO ACCOMPANY “I DON’T LIKE MONDAYS”, AN EXHIBITION OF WASTED YOUTH. ELEVEN FINE ART, LONDON, 2009. PRODUCED BY EPM.With reclaimed wooden school desks as his choice of canvas, Turnbull has delicately carved into seven of the pockmarked, pen-scratched surfaces, leaving the negative imprint of a deadly weapon upon each. Whilst Turnbull’s process may at first sound a little contrived - when taken in contrast with the exposed innocence of the school-worn desks, his remarkably adept carvings evoke an unexpectedly poignant effect. Employing impressions of guns, knives, grenades and even space-age sharp shooters - the desks are transformed from relics of a childhood past into intricately formed, vaguely intimidating reflections of the rapidly changing face of contemporary culture. An out-there comment on the dwindling role of innocence in today’s increasingly weapon-wielding society; Turnbull’s work is an elegant synthesis of hard-hitting imagery, accomplished artistry and low-fi aesthetics - encapsulating both the diminishing memories and the escalating fears of inner-city youth. Despite the undeniably negative undertones of the seven works on show, Turnbull’s desks inject a surprising dose of light-relief into what has undoubtedly become one of the past decades most unpleasant subjects.Ben Turnbull is a British artist best known for his collages which focus on American culture and politics, and most notably his I Don'tLike Mondays series (2008), a title taken from a remark made by Brenda Spencer, the perpetrator of the Cleveland Elementary School shooting (San Diego) and featured various weapons carved into school desks, a commentary on gun massacres in U.S. schools. America and Americana are a staple of Turnbull's work – he has visited the country many times. In the various series it has inspired, a fierce critique of U.S culture is witnessed, in particular its politics, but also an affection and fascination which began from his boyhood when he was, like many of his generation, brought up on a diet of American TV programmes. This style has been dubbed ‘angry pop’, an allusion to its power and harnessing of Pop Art sensibilities. His Superman series is in part a tribute to the New York City fireman who lost their lives after the 9/11 attacks.Turnbull has exhibited with a number of galleries, including two with Steve Lazarides, the gallerist best known for his early championing of graffiti art and in particular his association with Banksy. He has also had a retrospective at Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (2012), and more recently a solo show at Saatchi Gallery (2017).Turnbull did not attend art school. His early adult life was spent as a fabricator – he ran his own business, and, among other projects, he helped create interiors of some of the most iconic London restaurants of the 1990's. This ability to ‘make things’ himself, unique amongst artists, is reflected in the exacting production of all his work.Will ship by Royal Mail Large Letter 1st Class Signed for, well packaged.(£3.75/unter/burma) Track Page Views WithAuctiva's Counter

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