Ben Youdan joined our Northern Lights community back in September. His vibrant and expressive art delves into identity, culture and the human experience with boldness and depth to spark thought and conversation.
His work is currently featured in the gallery space of Northern Lights, so pop over to view and grab some pastries and a hot drink in Ryde, too!
Ben Youdan is a visual artist based in Liverpool, U.K. His mixed media work employs a wide variety of techniques and processes including collage, drawing, painting, printmaking and photography, to create imagery that takes inspiration from the iconography and ephemera of popular culture. His pieces explore themes such as identity, glamour and sexuality.
His recent work has an aesthetic style inspired by post-modern philosophy and taking inspiration from punk and anti-establishment imagery. By juxtaposing seemingly disparate elements, the work attempts to create a new visual language that explores queer identity, diversity and individualism as well as appropriation of space particularly in an urban context. It is intended to be celebratory in tone and contain a sex-positive message, taking inspiration from a variety of sub-cultures as well as referencing traditions of western art practice.
His work is a handmade product of the digital age and a comment on the human condition in the context of the new media landscape.
“I always admired her bravery as much as her talent. This portrait attempts to celebrate her boldness and authenticity.”
This particular piece references Sinead O’Connor’s notorious appearance on American television which caused so much controversy.
You can visit Ben’s latest exhibition featuring ‘Am I not your girl?’ on the gallery wall until the X of January.For more information on Ben Youdan’s work, upcoming exhibitions, and projects, you can visit his official website or follow him on Instagram.
