Ben Turnbull, a British artist renowned for his collage art, delves into American culture and politics in his work. His notable series, "I Don't Like Mondays" (2008), draws its name from Brenda Spencer's chilling remark, the Cleveland Elementary School shooting perpetrator in San Diego. The series features school desks with weapons carved into them, serving as a stark commentary on gun massacres in American schools.

Turnbull's art frequently revolves around America and Americana, a country he has visited extensively. His various series offer a sharp critique of U.S. culture, particularly its politics, while also revealing an affection and fascination that dates back to his childhood, shaped by an upbringing saturated with American TV programs. This artistic style has earned the moniker 'angry pop,' alluding to its potency and its embrace of Pop Art sensibilities. His "Superman" series, for instance, pays homage to the New York City firefighters who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks.

Despite never attending art school, Turnbull's early adult life was marked by craftsmanship as he ran his own fabrication business. He contributed to the interiors of some of London's most iconic restaurants in the 1990s. This hands-on ability to create sets him apart from many artists and is evident in the meticulous production of all his artwork.

Turnbull has exhibited his work in various galleries, including two collaborations with Steve Lazarides, renowned for championing graffiti art and his association with Banksy. He also had a retrospective at the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts in 2012 and a solo exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in 2017. Ben Turnbull's collage art continues to captivate audiences, offering a thought-provoking perspective on American culture and politics.

Ben Turnbull

British

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Artist

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Uncle Sam