Benjamin Paul Gallagher

PATTERNS OF MANUAL LABOUR

9 November - 1 December 2024

OPENING/MEET THE ARTIST Saturday 9 November, 11am – 5pm ALL WELCOME

MEET THE ARTIST Saturday 23 November 11am – 2pm inc Artist Talk 1pm

Benjamin continues to take influence from his experiences working as a heritage tradesman. It’s fair to say he may never move beyond this topic of interest but with such rich material to work with, it would be foolish for him to not dig deeper. In this suite Benjamin has honed in on the materials, methods of construction and labour contained within historical buildings. He has been contemplating the physical effort by those involved in their production; the hard, repetitive graft acknowledged and with measured intent has committed his admiration to paper and other raw materials.

In Benjamin’s words “It matters not, what your medium, be it the production of art or the laying down of a slate roof, when one takes on repetitive or durational work the internal rhythm of the task must be discovered. A cadence if you will, to facilitate an efficiency to the gestures of creation. Like long form minimal music. Give it time, lock into the rhythm and you will be rewarded.”

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
As an artist I make observations of our built environment, the way we used to build; the way we build now. I analyse buildings, both old and new. Be they serious and considered or rustic and humble. I find intrigue in the process of their construction, the decisions made on their behalf, on behalf of the culture they inhabit. I take influence and I take head.

Studies in architecture and industrial design, the rigid efficiency of that tutelage set against my working life as a heritage roof slater and copper-smith have enabled me a unique perspective. The charm and romanticism of a Victorian handrail captivates me in equal measure to the form-finish surface a brutalist wall. continue here.