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.
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
-
Meet artist Michael McGregor, using hotel stationery as his canvas
Michael McGregor unveils an exclusive postcard set made with notepads from The Luxury Collection properties in Minneapolis, San Francisco and Savannah
-
A nature-inspired Chinese art centre cuts a crisp figure in a Guiyang park
A new Chinese art centre by Atelier Xi in the country's Guizhou Province is designed to bring together nature, art and community
-
William Kentridge's fluid sculptures are a vivid addition to the Yorkshire landscape
William Kentridge has opened the first major exhibition to focus on his sculptures outside of South Africa at Yorkshire Sculpture Park