Meet the Artist: ShakenArt™ by George Benn
1) How long have you been making art?
I have been making art since I left school (“a long time ago, before the internet was invented”). Sketching & photography was where it really started for me; however professionally that would be since 2013 when I started ShakenArt™ here in London.
2) What genre best describes the kind of art which you create and how has it evolved since you began?
The Genre is firmly Digital Art. This allows a very precise image to be created; however it is complemented by a strong Zeitgeist questioning message. ShakenArt™ has evolved from purely striking imagery to genuine conversation starters. So for example our really popular piece which we will be bringing to the New Artist fair is called ‘Predator’ which poses the question "Who is the Ultimate Predator?..... Shark or Man?
3) On Social Media your countdown to the Framed Exhibition is very popular #NewAF2015, why do you refer to yourself as ShakenArt™?
It’s good to see that the Twitter & Facebook countdown @shakenart is being well received and raising awareness for the event #NewAF2015. I have always referred to myself as “ShakenArt™” as it reflects the true essence of my work…ie to ‘shake it up’ and examine the truth about the world we inhabit. For me to use my name ‘George Benn’ does not enlighten or give insight into what I do as an artist. The culture of ShakenArt™ is one of seeking the answers by posing the tough questions. Every piece of art I produce such as Bull Market asks the viewer something unique. For example ; Living in increasingly unpredictable and volatile times; Bull Market questions the notion; "Is the Stock Market a Safe Place to invest?"
4) Your work is marketed as Limited Edition Prints, are buyers also able to buy the original or artist proof (A/P)?
On the day of the #NewAF2015 event, Buyers will be able to purchase the **A/P Prints** from ShakenArt™. These have been “Exclusively Reserved” for the #NewAF2015 clients. In addition we have reserved some “Low Numbered” Limited Edition prints for the event, all of which can be purchased from the ShakenArt™ stand. As part of our service; ShakenArt™ prints will be couriered (Fedex) to any UK Home or Business address Free of Charge after payment has been made at the event.
5) Do you create from a model posing or from photograph, what is your process?
My process begins from Sketches; very traditional pencil and paper drawings which are then completed digitally.
6) Is there a medium or technique that you have yet to try but would like to?.
As ShakenArt™ the medium and technique will remain as they are throughout 2015. However I am very keen to speak to the other exhibitors at the #NewAF2015 notably Brian Hodgson, Sam Warr & Brigette Pruchnow whose work looks fantastic.
7) What would your ideal solo exhibition be like and where would it be held?
The ideal ShakenArt™ solo exhibition would be compact and exciting to get to. I would choose the 'holiday houseboat' architectural installation on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall overlooking the Thames. It Resembles a 1920s steamer and was designed by architect David Kohn and artist Fiona Banner, the Roi des Belges interior is red-stained plywood with not a nautical blue and white stripe in sight. The Roi des Belges ("King of the Belgians"—French) comes from the novel Heart of Darkness (1899) is a short novel by Anglo-Polish novelist Joseph Conrad, written as a frame narrative, about Charles Marlow's experience as an ivory transporter down the Congo River in Central Africa. To show for example the ShakenArt™ ‘Predator’ at the ‘Roi des Belges’ would be very special. Maybe One Day. You Never Know.
8) Do you have a favourite artist or painting?
Yes Definitely, ‘Nighthawks’ which is the 1942 oil on canvas painting by Edward Hopper. It’s a simple and elegant painting portraying people in a downtown diner late at night. The more you look at it, the more you realize how brilliantly the light is captured. It is currently in the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s got a timeless, universal quality that transcends its particular locale. Hopper’s understanding of the expressive possibilities of light playing on simplified shapes gives the painting its beauty. Fluorescent lights had just come into use in the early 1940s, and the all-night diner emits an eerie glow, like a beacon on the dark street corner. Absolutely Brilliant.
9) If you could change anything about the art world, what would it be?
I wouldn't change anything about the art world. Besides I don’t think you could anyway. Art is unique because it stands on its own merits. For me as an individual who designs everyday; art is like sunshine and we need sunshine to thrive.
10) What are you planning to exhibit at the New Artist Fair in March 2015?
I will be revealing 3 new designs for the New Artists Fair. All I can say is that they will Bright and engaging for 2015.
I have been making art since I left school (“a long time ago, before the internet was invented”). Sketching & photography was where it really started for me; however professionally that would be since 2013 when I started ShakenArt™ here in London.
2) What genre best describes the kind of art which you create and how has it evolved since you began?
The Genre is firmly Digital Art. This allows a very precise image to be created; however it is complemented by a strong Zeitgeist questioning message. ShakenArt™ has evolved from purely striking imagery to genuine conversation starters. So for example our really popular piece which we will be bringing to the New Artist fair is called ‘Predator’ which poses the question "Who is the Ultimate Predator?..... Shark or Man?
3) On Social Media your countdown to the Framed Exhibition is very popular #NewAF2015, why do you refer to yourself as ShakenArt™?
It’s good to see that the Twitter & Facebook countdown @shakenart is being well received and raising awareness for the event #NewAF2015. I have always referred to myself as “ShakenArt™” as it reflects the true essence of my work…ie to ‘shake it up’ and examine the truth about the world we inhabit. For me to use my name ‘George Benn’ does not enlighten or give insight into what I do as an artist. The culture of ShakenArt™ is one of seeking the answers by posing the tough questions. Every piece of art I produce such as Bull Market asks the viewer something unique. For example ; Living in increasingly unpredictable and volatile times; Bull Market questions the notion; "Is the Stock Market a Safe Place to invest?"
4) Your work is marketed as Limited Edition Prints, are buyers also able to buy the original or artist proof (A/P)?
On the day of the #NewAF2015 event, Buyers will be able to purchase the **A/P Prints** from ShakenArt™. These have been “Exclusively Reserved” for the #NewAF2015 clients. In addition we have reserved some “Low Numbered” Limited Edition prints for the event, all of which can be purchased from the ShakenArt™ stand. As part of our service; ShakenArt™ prints will be couriered (Fedex) to any UK Home or Business address Free of Charge after payment has been made at the event.
5) Do you create from a model posing or from photograph, what is your process?
My process begins from Sketches; very traditional pencil and paper drawings which are then completed digitally.
6) Is there a medium or technique that you have yet to try but would like to?.
As ShakenArt™ the medium and technique will remain as they are throughout 2015. However I am very keen to speak to the other exhibitors at the #NewAF2015 notably Brian Hodgson, Sam Warr & Brigette Pruchnow whose work looks fantastic.
7) What would your ideal solo exhibition be like and where would it be held?
The ideal ShakenArt™ solo exhibition would be compact and exciting to get to. I would choose the 'holiday houseboat' architectural installation on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall overlooking the Thames. It Resembles a 1920s steamer and was designed by architect David Kohn and artist Fiona Banner, the Roi des Belges interior is red-stained plywood with not a nautical blue and white stripe in sight. The Roi des Belges ("King of the Belgians"—French) comes from the novel Heart of Darkness (1899) is a short novel by Anglo-Polish novelist Joseph Conrad, written as a frame narrative, about Charles Marlow's experience as an ivory transporter down the Congo River in Central Africa. To show for example the ShakenArt™ ‘Predator’ at the ‘Roi des Belges’ would be very special. Maybe One Day. You Never Know.
8) Do you have a favourite artist or painting?
Yes Definitely, ‘Nighthawks’ which is the 1942 oil on canvas painting by Edward Hopper. It’s a simple and elegant painting portraying people in a downtown diner late at night. The more you look at it, the more you realize how brilliantly the light is captured. It is currently in the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s got a timeless, universal quality that transcends its particular locale. Hopper’s understanding of the expressive possibilities of light playing on simplified shapes gives the painting its beauty. Fluorescent lights had just come into use in the early 1940s, and the all-night diner emits an eerie glow, like a beacon on the dark street corner. Absolutely Brilliant.
9) If you could change anything about the art world, what would it be?
I wouldn't change anything about the art world. Besides I don’t think you could anyway. Art is unique because it stands on its own merits. For me as an individual who designs everyday; art is like sunshine and we need sunshine to thrive.
10) What are you planning to exhibit at the New Artist Fair in March 2015?
I will be revealing 3 new designs for the New Artists Fair. All I can say is that they will Bright and engaging for 2015.