BEN ARK BIOGRAPHY

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Ben Ark is a multi-disciplinary artist who lives and works in Salford, Greater Manchester. His artwork has been exhibited and commissioned throughout the United Kingdom and internationally, from Norway to New York. His nightscapes, cityscapes and urban landscapes have brought him a host of loyal customers, collectors and fans from North West England and beyond. With a growing profile, his artwork is highly collectable. He exhibits and sells his work at numerous galleries across the country, sitting alongside Tom Dodson, Geoffrey Key and L.S. Lowry. His art is regularly influenced by the northern landscape and features the blemished beauty that is often commonplace but frequently overlooked.

 

Using traditional painterly techniques alongside digital technology he creates unique mixed media artworks reflecting his signature themes of contemporary culture and urban landscapes. His distinct style is known for patches of precisely detailed realism that flow effortlessly in to less defined washes of colour, through multi-layered collages of both meaning and texture. Ben takes immense pleasure in continuously learning, adapting and experimenting with various techniques and mediums that distinguish him from other artists.

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The year 2022 was particularly successful for Ben. In September, he was awarded First Prize at The Open {3} exhibition, hosted at Salford Museum and Art Gallery. Entry was open to all artists working, living, studying or born in Salford. It was a real honour to win this respected award in his home city. In November, Ben had two artworks selected for display in the prestigious ING Discerning Eye exhibition held at the Mall Galleries in London. Being selected from a record breaking number of applications, close to 7,500, was delightful in itself but to also be awarded the Cityscape Prize for his artwork ‘Best hopes and worst fears’ was a real honour.

 

In 2020, Ben was chosen to take part in the New Light Art exhibition, which celebrates contemporary northern art. The exhibition opened in Scarborough and went on to tour Carlisle, Newcastle and London in 2021. He won the Visitors’ Choice Award at the Carlisle leg of the tour. He was also selected to show 5 artworks and act as a featured artist in 'Days Like These' a major art exhibition held at The Lowry gallery and theatre.

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Other past exhibitions include Manchester and Liverpool Art Fairs in 2019 and the inaugural 'Open [1] exhibition' at Salford Museum and Art Gallery. In 2018 Ben was selected to represent the City of Salford in the 'Technology: Past & Future' exhibition, hosted by Quays Culture. In 2017 he was chosen to exhibit at Warrington Contemporary Art Festival and the Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition in London.

 

Ben was awarded the title of 'Salford Creative Communities Champion' in 2015 and was also chosen for the neo:artprize, where his work was exhibited alongside fellow contemporary visual artists from around the world. He regularly creates artwork for both residential and commercial settings, working on projects for high profile clients such as McDonalds.

 

You can learn more about working with Ben to create your own bespoke artwork by following the link to commissions. If you are interested in Ben's work with teams and community groups, read more on the education page. For enquiries not covered here, you may find the FAQ page an interesting place. For all other enquires please contact Ben via the contact page.

 

You can connect with, share, follow and like Ben Ark Art on social media by using the links below:
 

Connect with us on Twitter: @BenArkArt

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