Ben Turnbull

In an age when sneering at the USA is a popular, vulgar pastime amongst the cultural elite, Ben Turnbull says – and this may surprise you judging by his art – “I actually love America. I want to be there.”

Ben’s love isn’t just a fascination – he cares. “I’m not trying to Bush-bash, although I do see it as a duty to create satire from the outrageous. My work is more emotional than political I’m haunted by the lack of superheroes, for instance.” Ben’s early works included a Dirty Harry board game and Boba Fett bubblegum cards.

He has never actually visited America. To him the continent exists only in its popular culture, an adrenalised dimension where the people speak in wisecracks and every helicopter eventually explodes. But even there time unfolds. Thrills and spills are no longer provided by the A Team, but by Fox News. Correspondingly Ben’s Icon series at Laz is in sympathy with America’s “Violent, paranoid side, and acts of terrorism committed on the American people by its media.”

The coffin featured in his exhibition is made from Action Men, and the crucifix from plastic toy soldiers. “I saw a close friend’s dead body at a very early age; I remember prodding him, not really understanding. Presumably this is my catharthis.”

Sure, Ben’s concerns are completely serious, and his pieces can be brutal. But his messages are comforting and compassionate. Don’t be afraid. Rise to the Occasion. Or as they’d say Stateside: Be the Best.

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