Ben Wakeling talks Abstract Figurativism and Mental Health

Ben Wakeling is an artist known for his abstract figures. Originally on the street he has developed his practice more and more into the studio. Onto canvas and paper they are a continuation of his work which began as a form of art therapy.

Over time they have become more obscured. The abstract becoming ever more abstracted. At his solo show with BSMT Gallery, the figures are still there but more subtle, hidden even. Lines and mark making covering the spaces. Some following the vague shape of a person, others an array of colour and energy.

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Mental Health

Much of Ben Wakeling’s work revolves around Mental Health. Both from his own personal experience but also in his work with local community and NHS mental health services. He has engaged with these himself. Something which is imbued within the paintings he creates. These works are generated from instincts borne of his own reality.

Early Response

Speaking of his experiences is something Ben has worked on over the years. From an initial feeling of shame at what these might have been. His early response was to draw and then ultimately to paint on the street. Writing ‘Mental Health’ and ‘NHS’ on walls where he could find them. This outlet would eventually become more character based. Based in Hackney Wick these would start to appear more and more.

Works on the Street

Those early street works would become more and more regular. His character of choice, a ballerina. A figure that itself would blend into a mix of lines and blurs. He talks of the figure being a response to some of the disparities in society. The ballet being something Ben reflects as being reflective of what might be described as the upper class. By painting them in the street, particularly on some of the walls of Hackney Wick, he is levelling the field. Balancing the haves and the have nots.

Colour

Ben describes his first artistic memory as being a fascination with colour mixing. Back at primary or junior school when a friend, mixed blue and white to make light blue. The fascination with colour and what can be achieved with it he credits with his use of colour today. An internal wonder that rose to the surface when realising that, what he might initially have thought of a scribbles, were taking on figurative elements.

Abstract Figurativism

Sitting in the BSMT gallery, his solo exhibition ‘Abstract Figurativism‘ has just had it’s opening night. All around him the works are a continuation of these early days. A reflection on who he is but also on the people around him. Each representing a journey from those early days. First in using art as a therapeutic practice, then as it evolved into an outlet for how he started seeing the world. “These are my love letters to the people around me” he says. “They might not know it, but they’re all in my work. It’s all a way to share and celebrate and tell them how much I love them”.

Ben Wakeling was interviewed on 20 February 2024 as part of the Inspiring City ‘Artists of the East End‘ series. His exhibition ‘Abstract Figurativism’ was showing at the BSMT Gallery in London.

For more Inspiring City articles you might like, take a look at…

• Vandal Therapy Exhibition at the Moorfields Hospital
• Ronch the Artist with a Unique Brand of Magical Realism
• Bare Thread Exhibition at BSMT Space from Perspicere