Ben Johnson's extraordinary paintings may read like faithful replicas of cityscapes and architectural interiors but it's the blurring between reality and illusion that gives them their potency. 'I use plans, elevations and photographs, and I remember the experience of being there, but essentially I reconstruct the spaces with new rules in my studio,' he explains. As his first solo show opens at London's Alan Cristea Gallery, the artist gives us a glimpse of this transformation in action.
Watch Ben Johnson at work in his studio
To create his hyperreal images, Johnson uses extremely precise computerised stencils and paint sprayers. The final images have an almost haunting polish, and the absence of human presence in the works pushes the viewer into the scenes they depict.
The Alan Cristea Gallery exhibition coincides with another Johnson show at the National Gallery, opening 8th December, titled 'Modern Perspectives'. Here, the RCA graduate will be creating a view of Trafalgar Square in situ - much like he did his 'Liverpool Cityscape' of 2008 at the Walker Art Gallery. Echoing the rigorous geometric composition of the National Gallery's Canaletto, 'The Stonemason's Yard', he will subtly manipulate the topography to create an idealised view.
'Connecting Space' by Ben Johnson, 2009, on show at Alan Cristea Gallery
'Far Horizons II' by Ben Johnson, 2009, on show at Alan Cristea Gallery
'The Space Within' by Ben Johnson, 2009, on show at Alan Cristea Gallery
In his Hammersmith studio, Ben Johnson puts the meticulously detailed finishing touches to 'Far Horizons II'
His paintings are a potent mix of half-real, half-imaged interiors and cityscapes
A drawing for ’Modern Perspectives’ - a work that will be created in situ by Johnson in the National Gallery, from 8th December
'The Liverpool Cityscape' by Ben Johnson, 2008
ADDRESS
Alan Cristea Gallery
31 & 34 Cork Street
London W1S 3NU
-
Wild sauna, anyone? The ultimate guide to exploring deep heat in the UK outdoors‘Wild Sauna’, a new book exploring the finest outdoor establishments for the ultimate deep-heat experience in the UK, has hit the shelves; we find out more about the growing trend
-
Highlights from the transporting Cruise 2026 showsThe Cruise 2026 season began yesterday with a Chanel show at Lake Como, heralding the start of a series of jet-setting, destination runway shows from fashion’s biggest houses
-
Behind the design of national pavilions in Venice: three studios to knowDesigning the British, Swiss and Mexican national pavilions at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 are three outstanding studios to know before you go
