Stormcloud

Stormcloud draws its inspiration from an essay by John Ruskin¹, which describes the effects of early industrialisation on weather patterns.

In this exhibition, West presents a body of graphic and collage work influenced by nature and ecological issues.

These works were created by compiling a variety of resources, which are fragmented, lost, or unwanted from West’s surrounding environment. Following the principles of natural observational science, he passionately collects old books, photographs, pressed flowers and plants.

Discarded botanical and mechanical forms are combined with natural artefacts to examine the human impact upon the natural environment. Genetic modification, pollution, and urbanisation define the works in this exhibition.

The Artist

Benjamin West is a multi-disciplinary artist using nature as his main inspiration. Through the mediums of collage, photography, sound, film, and scanography, his practice examines our ever-changing relationship with nature, and investigates the consequences of human activity upon our surroundings.

Creating pieces which are cut and arranged by hand is integral to his practice. He employs digital techniques only for archiving and reproduction. Whilst his work possesses a playfulness, this belies West’s intention to communicate a serious environmental and political statement.

West was born in Alton, Hampshire in 1974. He graduated from London College of Communication in 1996 with Ba (Hons) in Graphic and Media Design. In 2003 he went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Photography at Falmouth Art College. He has since been involved in many creative projects using a variety of mediums in the UK and around the world.

He currently lives and works in London.

www.benwestonline.com

www.brent.gov.uk/lwg

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¹John Ruskin, “The Storm-Cloud of the Nineteenth-Century”, 1884