In the bustling world of contemporary art, few figures stand as defiantly as Ken Turner. The centenarian artist, known for his audacious performances and radical approach to public art, continues to challenge norms and provoke thought. With a new exhibition set to launch at the Wharfside Arts Hub in Penzance, Turner reflects on a century filled with creativity, rebellion, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.
A Journey Through Art and Activism
“Life is short, art long,” Turner quotes from Hippocrates, encapsulating his belief in the enduring power of artistic expression. At 100 years old, he embodies this sentiment, having dedicated his life to making art accessible to everyone. His journey began in the 1960s, when he transitioned from traditional painting to a more socially engaged form of public art, creating large inflatable sculptures that invited audience interaction long before immersive experiences became a trend.
Turner’s education was influenced by luminaries like Fernand Léger, and his friendships with renowned figures such as John Berger have undeniably shaped his artistic vision. Last year, in a dramatic act of defiance against corporate greed, he famously crushed a Tesla with a tank—a performance that serves as a stark commentary on the rising tide of fascism and economic disparity.
The Playfulness of Art
In a candid conversation in his kitchen, dressed in a blue work shirt and cap, Turner speaks about the importance of play in art. “The more you go through education into university, the more you forget to play,” he asserts. His son, filmmaker Huw Wahl, who captures the essence of Turner’s creative spirit in a looping film at the exhibition, praises his father’s playful approach to painting. “I think his painting is getting better and better,” Wahl says, recognising that Turner’s childlike curiosity fuels his artistry.
Despite struggling with memory, Turner’s narratives flow freely, revealing a lifetime of experiences that continue to inform his work. He remains resolutely focused on the future, refusing to dwell on the past when there is so much yet to create.
A Rebel Against Conformity
Turner’s path has never adhered to convention. After being drafted into the mines during the Second World War, he returned to a society he found unwelcoming. His disdain for the art establishment led him to reject offers from prestigious institutions, including the Slade School of Fine Art, due to the colour of their walls. “If they can’t get the colour of the walls right, how can they teach people?” he quips. His aversion to the West End’s art dealers—whom he described as “monsters in their own right”—is a testament to his fierce independence.
Instead of conforming, Turner became a teacher and co-founded Action Space, an art collective aimed at bringing art into communities. This group sought to dismantle the barriers of traditional galleries, creating engaging public art that resonated with everyday people. “I almost cry about the inequality that’s happening,” he reflects, a sentiment that underscores his commitment to socially conscious art.
Performance as Expression
In recent years, Turner has embraced performance art, intertwining it with his painting practice. His tank performance exemplifies the seamless blend of these forms. “There’s no difference between performance and painting for me,” he insists. This philosophy leads him to continue creating, with plans to perform at the opening of his latest exhibition alongside his daughter.
Having relocated to Cornwall in the 1990s, Turner reignited his passion for painting, producing large-scale, semi-abstract works that grapple with themes of destruction and emotional turmoil. His pieces confront pressing issues like the devastation of Gaza and the climate crisis, challenging viewers to engage with the difficult realities of our world. “I think museums should buy them,” he states, emphasising the importance of art as a tool for understanding societal pain.
Why it Matters
Ken Turner’s relentless pursuit of artistic expression serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to the status quo. His life’s work illustrates the transformative power of art to address social injustices and connect with the public in meaningful ways. As he continues to create, his legacy reminds us that age is no barrier to creativity and that the role of the artist is crucial in navigating the complexities of modern life. With a voice that resonates through generations, Turner embodies the idea that art is not merely a reflection of life but a catalyst for change. His ongoing contributions urge us all to reconsider the role of art in society and the imperative to challenge inequality at every turn.
