A SLOW MIGRATION
In this latest body of work Ben presents a series of 12 paintings which explore his affinity to many places whilst still feeling culturally transient. A SLOW MIGRATION takes us on a journey through stories and experiences as the years rolled by, and Ben became more settled after migrating from his homeland Ireland to Australia.
My painting practice over the past few years has been a way for me to come to terms with my feelings about leaving my home and creating another one so far away. As I look now at this body of work there are familiar themes such as the vastness and incomprehensible wildness of the landscape I find myself in.
Lonely figures are almost swallowed up by the dense, savage undergrowth of the wilderness. But in several of the paintings there are groups of people interacting with each other, with the focus shifting away from their environment. My own family features more prominently now too. I wonder if this is a reflection on whether I have finally migrated after all this time. A sense of community, a family, friendships; I suppose these are the things that make it possible to feel rooted in a new land.
Ben Crawford – Artist Statement