Benjamin Warner

benjamin-warner.com

 

Still from ‘Monastery’

 

What are your main concerns within your practice?

It has always been esoteric to a certain extent. Mainly discussions around the Anthropocene and our relationship not only with animals but to forms of technology.

For this project I’ve been focused on static communities and minorities that hold specific practices. One of these is Apiculture and the other is the metaphor of the Monastery. Intertwined with performances surrounding hysteria.

The act of protection is a recurring theme in my practice.

 

 

 

 

What are your influences?

A wide range – from Bruegel to Pierre Huyghe, Beuys to Chris Cunningham.

The works that have had a lasting effect on me tend to contain meditative or profound qualities.
Visiting the last 3 Venice Biennales has played a part in the kind of work that I’m attracted to.
My influences also changed when I moved to Berlin, particularly through attending the Transmediale Festival.

 

 

What is the first thing you do and your process?

This usually begins in the library or online, but mainly through research. My work is consistently led by concept rather than medium. I often trial multiple mediums until I find the most effective or interesting way in which I wish to say something. Recently 3D scanning and printing has allowed me to reinvent objects in a unique way. 
Writing is also integral to my practice, it acts as an intervention – explaining something that the visuals aren’t and vice versa.

 

What do you enjoy most about the studio?

Dialogue and general discursiveness is vital – I’ve described my work before in the metaphor of a beacon; they require a certain amount of attention – you are unashamedly asked to question the works existence. The films and objects I make have a necessity to be animated by others, so naturally they feel comfortable in a shared environment.

 

 

How has your work changed over the course of your degree?

It’s strangely amnestic actually. In a way I’ve reinvented my practice, which was completely unintentional. Interning on British Art Show 8 and then moving to Berlin in my industry year definitely changed my practice and the way I process research. 
I’m much more patient and disciplined in regards to spending an extended period of time on a singular piece – for example the film which I’ve made for the degree show has taken nearly 3 months, I don’t think that would have happened at the start.

 

 

 

Still from ‘Monastery’

 

 

What are your plans after graduation?

Maintaining a momentum within my practice. I’d like to apply to some residencies as I feel that location defines work in a unique way.