- This event has passed.
‘I’ve Really Done It This Time’ by Ben Oakley
Friday, July 10, 2020 – Sunday, July 26, 2020
Ben Oakley Gallery Launches a New Solo Exhibition – Friday 10th July 7pm
10th – 26th July – Gallery open Saturday & Sunday from 11:30am – 4:30pm | View by appointment during the week | View the Exhibition virtually on this site from 10th July
Contact 07976 692 751 / info@benoakleygallery.com
A brand new series of wild and wonderful works, with all the hallmarks of Oakley’s endeavours to continue the ‘Art Cycle’ process. Creating assemblage pieces from his travels, combining the unusual, to the un nerving at times, into a pleasurable all round exhibition. ‘I’ve Really Done It This Time’ Opens at the Ben Oakley Gallery. Friday 10th July 7pm.
‘I’ve Really Done It This Time’
“Another one of those sayings I heard circling round my head as I attempted to grow up.”
Ben Oakley
If you can’t make it in person then a Virtual Gallery Experience will be available here on Friday 10th July
Over the years self taught artist Oakley has zig zagged across the art world, his obsession of collecting objects has
increased and evolved into his love of assemblage. It’s about aesthetics, nostalgia, and balance, with a heaped teaspoon of surreal humour.
His love of the Nicky Nacky Noo & beyond began in the 1970s when as a child he would be taken to Bermondsey Market where his mother worked on a stall selling Silver & Antiques. He soon appreciated the craftsmanship and variety of the stall holder’s wares that surrounded him from jewels to junk.
“It might be a silver pocket watch case that catches my interest for its pure design aesthetic which in turn inspires me to start thinking, how can I use this as a base for a piece of artwork? Then as I wade through my vast collection of treasures a glass eye pops up and fits the bill, then to complete it, a set of false teeth I’d bought for a different project emerges annd BINGO.”
Ben Oakley
Taking this into account over the last 25 years working as an artist the vast majority of Oakley’s work has been ‘Art Cycled’ as he calls it.
“I would rather use an Indian Tin Plate ceiling panel or a Vintage French Shutter to paint on in stead of a canvas, then frame them in a contemporary way to give them a future life with an instant historic feel.”
“I want to create interesting works that have a combination of intrigue, elements of surprise and appeal.”
Ben Oakley
Stay Safe & Love the NHS
Thanks as usual for your continued support.