I Don’t Like Mondays by Ben Turnbull, London

Leaving behind his painterly pedigree in a flurry of wood chips, sawdust and carving off-cuts, British artist Ben Turnbull’s latest, rather more sculptural exhibition is a lesson in how best to work that trusty British favourite – the artfully veiled shock tactic.
See more of the Ben Turnbull exhibition
With reclaimed wooden school desks as his choice of canvas, Turnbull has delicately carved into seven of the pockmarked, pen-scratched surfaces, leaving the negative imprint of a deadly weapon upon each.
Whilst Turnbull's process may at first sound a little contrived - when taken in contrast with the exposed innocence of the school-worn desks, his remarkably adept carvings evoke an unexpectedly poignant effect.
Employing impressions of guns, knives, grenades and even space-age sharp shooters - the desks are transformed from relics of a childhood past into intricately formed, vaguely intimidating reflections of the rapidly changing face of contemporary culture.
An out-there comment on the dwindling role of innocence in today’s increasingly weapon-wielding society; Turnbull’s work is an elegant synthesis of hard-hitting imagery, accomplished artistry and low-fi aesthetics - encapsulating both the diminishing memories and the escalating fears of inner-city youth.
Despite the undeniably negative undertones of the seven works on show, Turnbull's desks inject a surprising dose of light-relief into what has undoubtedly become one of the past decades most unpleasant subjects.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Taking shape in West London’s Eleven Gallery this month, the exhibition, ironically entitled ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ will remain in-situ until early November.
ADDRESS
11 Eccleston Street
London
SW1W 9LX
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressing
Part of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
By Orla Brennan
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationship
Announcing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
By Hugo Macdonald
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craft
The heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
By Cristina Kiran Piotti