Benjamin Work
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Benjamin Work is a Tāmaki Makaurau-born artist of Tongan and Scottish heritage. His work combines American sub/pop culture influences with exploration of the complexities of cultural institutions and the Moana Oceania diaspora[1]. Inspired by Tongan iconography, particularly 'akau tau (war clubs), Work creates refined, graphic paintings that invite audiences to engage with Tonga's visual culture.[2] His diverse projects include gallery exhibitions, large-scale murals, and photography, reflecting the cultural context of Auckland, Aotearoa. Work's work has been showcased internationally, and he is a core member of street art collectives TMD and No'o Fakataha, exploring Tongan history and culture.[3]
Biography
Benjamin Work is a Tāmaki Makaurau-born and raised artist with Tongan and Scottish heritage. He hails from the villages of Tu’anekivale, Vava’u and Tongamamaʻo in Niua Foʻou in Tonga with ancestral ties to the Work and Burns clans of Shetland, Orkney and Ayr in Scotland. Raised in the Eastern suburbs of the greater Auckland area, he grew up with a diverse cultural background. As the only son of a Scottish father and a Tongan mother, Work's upbringing exposed him to different influences and perspectives. Work experienced the cultural differences between his two backgrounds. As a teenager, he had to navigate these differences, which shaped his understanding of identity and influenced his artistic expression.[4]
It was during this time that Work began to connect with like-minded painters through various transport networks. He formed friendships with artists such as Charles and Janine Williams, Elliot O'Donnell, Brendan Kitto, and many more. These connections eventually led to the formation of the international graffiti collective known as TMD (The Most Dedicated) in 1997.[4] This brought an urban art credibility to his work. However, his involvement with TMD also ensured a wider discourse that extended beyond the focus of graffiti.[5]
In addition to his involvement with TMD, Work is also an active member of the Tongan art collective, No'o Fakataha. This collective allows him to further explore and celebrate his Tongan ancestry through his artistic expression.[6]
Work's artistic journey began to take shape during his studies at Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland, where he honed his skills and developed his unique style.[7] His early exploration of graffiti and street art greatly influenced his artistic expression, and he quickly gained recognition for his captivating murals and large-scale artworks.[8]
Drawing on his Tongan heritage, Work began to explore new directions in his art over the last decade. Inspired by the iconography found on Tongan treasures such as ngatu, fala, and 'akau tau (war clubs), his refined, graphic paintings aimed to find new spaces and ways for audiences to engage with Tonga's visual culture. His art found a home both inside institutions and on the streets.[9]
Overall, Benjamin Work's early life was marked by a diverse cultural upbringing, a passion for art, and a deep exploration of his Tongan heritage. He has developed a deep interest in and conducted extensive research on aspects of Tongan history and culture.[6] This exploration has allowed him to incorporate elements of Tongan traditions and symbols into his artwork, creating a unique fusion of contemporary and cultural influences. As a result, Benjamin Work has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of urban art, exhibiting his work in Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, North America, Rarotonga, and Tonga.[10]
Style and Technique
Work is known for his distinctive public projects and murals that adorn street fronts. His angular style, catches the eye with its use of vibrant "Tongan" colours like kula (red) and `uli (black), Benjamin's work serves as a contemporary bridge between traditional Tongan art forms and the modern art world.[11] In his exhibitions, Benjamin Work delves into the rich visual language of Tongan culture, drawing inspiration from historical narratives, iconography, symbolism, and design elements. His work is deeply rooted in the beliefs and traditions connected with Ta and Va (time and space), Tatau (symmetry), Potupotutatau (harmony), and Faka `ofa `ofa (beauty).[12] In 2011, a realisation led him to engage with the more abstract iconography found on traditional ngatu (bark cloth), but it was the warrior figures carved into Tongan war clubs that truly captivated him.[13]
Through his art, Benjamin Work contributes to a contemporary conversation about the parallels between established Tongan traditions and practices and their significance for Tongans within the urban New Zealand Pacific diaspora. His practice extends beyond murals, encompassing commercial print media, paintings, photography, and performance.[14]
While Benjamin has engaged with institutions in the past, he now seeks to use his platform to connect other Tongans who are searching for answers with these cultural institutions. He believes that many communities are unaware of the access they have to museums that hold their cultural treasures. Moving away from his graffiti roots, Benjamin's artistic journey has led him to explore the abstract iconography found on traditional Tongan ngatu. Each mural tells a story, such as the inspiration he drew from Olaf Ruhen's book "Minerva Reef," which recounts the tale of Tongan boxers shipwrecked on the Minerva Reefs for four months. [15]
Benjamin Work uses his art to tell both old and new stories, transcending labels and boxes. He sees himself not as a graffiti artist, street artist, or Tongan artist, but simply as an artist who uses his talent to connect people and share narratives.[15]
Selected Exhibitions
Throughout his career, Work has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions, using a unique blend of graffiti, street art, and traditional motifs, showcasing his talent and artistic vision. Notable among his selected exhibitions are:
I See Red, I See Red, I See Red (2014): This is Work's first solo exhibition, held at the FRESH Gallery Ōtara in Auckland, showcased Work's ability to use color to convey emotions and provoke thought. The exhibition explored themes of identity and societal issues through his vibrant and energetic artwork.[16]
For King and Country: Ma'ae Tu'i mo e Fonua (2016): This solo exhibition, hosted at the Māngere Arts Centre, explored the intersection of culture and identity. The artist, Benjamin Work, delved into the complexities of heritage and the ongoing search for belonging through his artwork. The exhibition questioned the common misconceptions surrounding historical encounters in Tonga with early explorers like James Cook. Benjamin's research trip to museums in Europe and the UK provided access to historically significant Tongan artifacts, which influenced the works in the exhibition. [17]
Whenua Fonua 'Enua (2017): Held at the Malcolm Smith Gallery in Auckland, this solo exhibition delved into the connection between land and culture. It showcased Work's ability to merge his graffiti roots with traditional Pacific motifs, creating visually striking and thought-provoking artworks. [18]
MOTUTAPU (2021) and MOTUTAPU II (2022) were exhibitions held at The Canterbury Museum in Christchurch. Created by artist Benjamin Work and photographer Brendan Kitto, these exhibitions explore the shared history of Motutapu (sacred island) in Moana Oceania. Motutapu II is a massive mural that stretches across the floor and walls of the main hall, featuring sacred symbols and pathways inspired by ancient gateways and voyaging vaka. The artwork represents the concept of Motutapu as a neutral space before arriving at the mainland, with a māhina (moon) to the east and a Tavake (Tropicbird) and Tongan figures to the west.[19]
| Year | Name | Place | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Primary Flight | ART Basel Miami, USA | Group |
| 2012 | What Would Jim Do | FRESH Gallery Ōtara, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2012 | No'o Fakataha | Māngere Arts Centre, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2013 | Graffiato | The Storehouse, Taupo, NZ | Group |
| 2013 | Serigraph show | Olivia Laita Gallery, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2013 | If These Walls Could Talk | TSB Bank Wallace Arts Center, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2014 | Tauhi Vā | FRESH Gallery Ōtara, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2015 | I see red, I see red, I see red | FRESH Gallery Ōtara, Auckland, NZ | Solo |
| 2015 | Toutoutā | Olivia Laita Gallery, Auckland, NZ | Solo |
| 2015 | PGP | AMbush Gallery, Sydney, Australia | Group |
| 2015 | Ma'ae Tu'i o e Fonua | Māngere Arts Centre, Auckland, NZ | Solo |
| 2016 | METFriday | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC, USA | Group |
| 2016 | The Glorious Children of Te Tumu | Salisbury International Arts Festival, England | Solo |
| 2016 | For King and Country | Bergman Gallery, Cook Islands | Solo |
| 2016 | The Glorious Children of Te Tumu | Corbans Art Estate, Auckland, NZ | Solo |
| 2017 | Post Graffiti Pacific | TSB Bank Wallace Arts Trust, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2017 | Return to Hawaiki | Bergman Gallery, Rarotonga, Cook Islands | Solo |
| 2017 | Whenua Fonua 'Enua | Malcolm Smith Gallery, Auckland, NZ | Solo |
| 2018 | MPA#1 | Bergman Gallery, Rarotonga, Cook Islands | Group |
| 2018 | Write it on the land, seal it on the heart | Te Tuhi Gallery, Auckland, NZ | Solo |
| 2019 | Art in the Dark II | Me'a 'ofa Gallery, Nuku'alofa, Tonga | Group |
| 2019 | Auckland Art Fair | Bergman Art Gallery, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2020 | Tatau 2 | Bergman Gallery, Cook Islands | Group |
| 2021 | Life After Death | Franklin Gallery, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2021 | Hake Project | Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, NZ | Solo |
| 2021 | The Most Dedicated | The Dowse Art Museum, Wellington, NZ | Group |
| 2022 | Te Atuitanga - Between Our Cloak of Stars | German Gallery, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2022 | MOTUTAPU | Te Uru Contemporary, Auckland, NZ | Duo |
| 2022 | To'a Mutu | Bergman Gallery, Auckland, NZ | Solo |
| 2023 | Aotearoa Art Fair | Bergman Gallery, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2023 | 'Inasi - First Fruits | Māngere Arts Centre, Auckland, NZ | Group |
| 2023 | Bodies of Water | Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, NZ | Duo |
| Year | Name | Place | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Life Line Mural | Auckland, NZ | |
| 2012 | Bradley Lane Festival | Auckland, NZ | |
| 2014 | Fort Lane Mural | Auckland Art Week, NZ | |
| 2015 | Alfresco | Cross Street Mural, Auckland, NZ | |
| 2016 | Spanish Harlem Mural; | The MET, NYC, USA | Outreach Programme |
| 2016 | Aotearoa Squared | Auckland Arts Festival, NZ | |
| 2017 | Graffiato | Street Art Festival, Taupō | |
| 2020 | Papaioea | Mural Festival, Palmerston North | |
| 2021 | The Most Dedicated | Street Art Festival, Lower Hutt, NZ |
Recognition
Selected Collections [20]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs MFAT
Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand
TSB Wallace Arts Trust , Auckland
Auckland Museum, Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Welt Museum, Vienna, Austria
Publications [20]
MOTUTAPU 2022 Published by RIM Books, ISBN 978-1-99-116520-6
Whenua Fonua 'Enua 2017 Published by RIM Books, ISBN 978-0-473-41566-2
Awards [20]
2022 Runner up - Estuary Art and Ecology Award
2021 Finalist - Molly Morpeth Canaday Award
References
- ^ "Benjamin Work". TAUTAI. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
- ^ "Benjamin Work". Benjamin Work. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
- ^ "Benjamin Work - Overview". Bregman Gallery. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
- ^ a b "From a Fonua Far, Far away". Pantograph Punch. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
- ^ Ascrew, Berst. "TMD Crew | INSIDE THE NETCH (New Zealand)". Ironlak. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
- ^ a b "Benjamin Work". TAUTAI. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
- ^ "About - Benjamin Work". Benjamin Work. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
- ^ Gates, Charlie (2021-04-15). "Artist creates huge mural in Canterbury Museum inspired by Tongan art". Stuff News. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
- ^ Woods, Dr Reuben (2021-06-09). "Benjamin Work Talks About His Giant Mural, Motutapu II". Canterbury Museum. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
- ^ "Benjamin Work". Bergman Gallery. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
- ^ Hurrell, John (2018-09-10). "Work's Revamped Tongan Coat of Arms". Eye Contact Magazine. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
- ^ "Overview - Benjamin Work". Bergman Gallery. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
- ^ Woods, Dr Reuben (2021-06-09). "Benjamin Work Talks About His Giant Mural, Motutapu II". Canterbury Museum. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
- ^ "About - Benjamin Work". Benjamin Work.
- ^ a b Woods, Dr Reuben (2021-06-09). "Benjamin Work Talks About His Giant Mural, Motutapu II". Canterbury Museum. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
- ^ "I SEE RED, I SEE RED". Depot Press. 2014-03-13. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
- ^ "For King And Country – Ma'ae Tu'i mo e Fonua". TAUTAI Pacific Arts Trust. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
- ^ digital, mata (2018-11-05). "BENJAMIN WORK: WHENUA FONUA 'ENUA". Uxbridge. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
- ^ "BENJAMIN WORK AND BRENDAN KITTO: MOTUTAPU". Te Uru. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
- ^ a b c d e "Work - Benjamin Work". Benjamin Work. Retrieved 2023-06-07.