ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT 43
ON THE ARTS MAP
A Q & A WITH BEN GAUNTLETT ART
BEN GAUNTLETT ART IS ONE OF THE CREATIVES AT THE FOLKESTONE HARBOUR MARKETPLACE. HUT 21 TO BE PRECISE … WE CAUGHT UP WITH BEN TO ASK HIM A FEW QUESTIONS.
What does spray painting allow you to create that traditional paint perhaps cannot? I enjoy how bold and crisp spray painting can be, but working with stencils also creates imperfections that can’ t be masked and I love that unpredictability. If I were to use other mediums I think I’ d forever be working on it and touching it up. I can’ t do that with spray paints. I’ m limited to the corrections that can be done due to the layering techniques.
Your unique style is instantly eyecatching; what do you hope people feel or experience when they view your work? I want to evoke an emotion. Quite often it’ s happiness as nostalgia is usually a positive feeling.
However, I have many pieces that speak to a deeper side of us. Questioning social norms and often highlighting my own personal struggles. It’ s incredible to see how these resonate with people.
Many of your pieces feature a recognisable character and cultural references- what draws you to that sense of nostalgia? Usually because it’ s fun and relatable, and it creates a warm familiar feeling. That’ s often where the idea starts, then it evolves and takes its own creation.
Your work blends street art and pop culture so vividly- where did that visual style develop for you?
From a young age I’ ve been pulled to create bold, colourful work and have always been inspired by the likes of Banksy and Warhol. I left school with two GCSE- one of them being art; even then my work blended styles and techniques. However, in the last few years, I’ ve begun to dig deeper and express myself more openly through my work.
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