Ben Turnbull X Candidate Q
CANDIDATE Q is British contemporary artist Ben Turnbull’s enigmatic alter-ego, created as a vehicle for exploring raw, unfiltered artistic expression. Born out of frustration with the current socio-political climate, Q embodies the role of an anti-hero, a symbolic challenger to the myths of power and nationalism that dominate cultural narratives. This persona marks a significant departure from Turnbull’s established 25-year practice, embracing anonymity and guerrilla-style tactics to provoke dialogue and reflection.
BEN TURNBULL is renowned for his provocative collage artworks that critically examine American culture and politics. Born in Isleworth, London, Turnbull’s fascination with Americana began in his youth, influenced by American television and culture. His work often addresses themes such as nationalism, propaganda, and cultural mythology.
Turnbull’s meticulous craftsmanship reflects his background as a fabricator, where he honed his skills in creating detailed and exacting works. Over his career, Turnbull has exhibited worldwide, including retrospectives of his work at The Lancaster Institute for Contemporary Art (2012) and Saatchi Gallery (2022) and critical and commercial success with his American History volumes at Bermondsey Project Space, Volta New York and various London galleries.
