About
Ben Turnbull
Supermen- An Exhibition of Heroes
15th September to 22nd October
Eleven is delighted to present a new series of collages by Ben Turnbull, entitled Supermen, which
constructs modern day heroes from collaged fragments of vintage comic book idols. On the advent of
the ten year anniversary of 9/11, Turnbull celebrates the real life heroes, the firemen, and policemen who protect us everyday, in iconic new images meticulously constructed from fragments of fictional superheroes including Captain America, Daredevil, and The Fantastic Four as well as Batman, Spiderman, and the Hulk. The palette of red, white and blue that predominates in the work and gives form to these figures reflects the depth of their patriotism and willingness to serve.
Turnbull celebrates the real heroic strength which exists outside the pages of comic books and
examines who we look to for protection from an early age to adulthood. He comments, âthe life changing
events of 9/11 led us all to believe in the need for real life superheroes. Superman didn't fly
down to save the falling buildings, there was no Caped Crusader ready to do battle with the arch-enemy
and Spidey didn't spin his web. Without the need of a phone-booth or a revolving door these true
patriots donned their iconic costumes and sacrificed life and limb for what they believed in. With every
cut-comic hero and dialogue I hope to bring out the true merits of the Brave and the Bold in their fight
for Truth, Justice and the American Way.'
In his studio Turnbull is surrounded by all the things he has collected over the years, including toy guns
and comics; these become his tools when he responds to events like Columbine or the Virginia Tech
massacre.
He has made numerous works using super hero figures in the past, and has been collecting comics
since he was 11 or 12. This new series of works is made from fragments of over 1000 pre-1990s
comics, the ones that Turnbull read as a child, and created by his own heroes including Jack Kirby, Sal
Buscema and Steve Ditko.
Turnbull's work has been collected nationally and internationally and has been featured in numerous
publications. His latest exhibitions include: A.C.M.E presented by Paul Smith and Eleven in 2010, I
Don't Like Mondays, Eleven, London 2009, A Nightmare on Greek St, Lazarides Gallery, London, 2008
and Outsiders, Lazarides Gallery, London, 2008. In March 2010, Ben Turnbull had a solo presentation
at Volta, New York. A collage from the series was recently featured in Eleven's Brit Pop exhibition
alongside work by Peter Blake, Natasha Law and Jonathan Yeo.
For further press information and images contact: Elizabeth DuBois, +44 20 7183 3577
or email elizabeth@suttonpr.com
