Ben Stephenson

The Thinker

2022

Ben Stephenson's artistic practice is characterized by a bold commitment to raw and natural materials, such as earth, pigments, and ceramics. The destabilization of colonial legacies and the deconstruction of voyeuristic tendencies inherent in Western artistic traditions are central to Stephenson's exploration. His multidisciplinary approach, spanning painting, sculpture, and performative installations, serves as a vehicle to question notions of cultural heritage, appropriation, and racial tensions in our increasingly interconnected and globalized society. Stephenson's work is imbued with a nuanced understanding of the complexities of identity and representation. His life and work experiences between Colombia and Mexico have enriched his practice, fostering a deeply rooted curiosity about the intersections of history, memory, and perception. Through a critical lens, he reinterprets historical narratives based on a wide range of sources, including films and photographs, challenging predominant narratives and offering alternative perspectives. Stephenson's recent exhibitions, such as "FAIN" in Mexico City, "Genesis in the Retort" at the Museum of the City of Queretaro (Mexico), and "Frost Sting" at Plan B Galeria, Oaxaca (Mexico), testify to his growing influence in the contemporary art scene. Particularly noteworthy is the recognition awarded by the Mexican Embassy in London, where his sculptural collaboration was awarded first prize at the "Comrades" exhibition of The Koppel Project Exchange in July 2005.