In a world often consumed by the mundane, Ken Turner stands as a beacon of artistic defiance. At the remarkable age of 100, this centenarian artist continues to push boundaries, using his craft to confront societal injustices and inspire the masses. With a new exhibition set to open at the Wharfside Arts Hub in Penzance, Turner reflects on a lifetime dedicated to radicalism, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to making art accessible to all.
A Life of Unconventional Choices
“Life is short, art long,” muses Turner, echoing the ancient wisdom of Hippocrates. While he may not have the brevity of years to contend with, Turner’s century-long journey in art has been anything but ordinary. His career is a testament to the power of rebellion in the face of convention—an artist who has consistently chosen to carve out his own path rather than conform to the expectations of the art world.
Emerging from the turmoil of the Second World War, Turner initially sought to immerse himself in art but was quickly disenchanted by the elitism and rigidity he encountered. His bold decision to decline a place at London’s prestigious Slade School of Fine Art due to the colour of its walls underscores his disdain for the establishment. “If they can’t get the colour of the walls right, how can they teach people?” he quips, revealing a mind that refuses to accept mediocrity.
Radical Art for the People
Turner’s artistic evolution took a significant turn in the 1960s, when he pivoted from traditional painting to a form of public art that was deeply engaged with social issues. He co-founded Action Space, an art collective that prioritised community interaction and education through innovative installations, including inflatable sculptures that invited active participation. “Well, that’s the social conscience I have,” he explains, lamenting the increasing inequality in society.
By bringing art out of the confines of galleries and into the streets, Turner sought to connect with those often overlooked by the traditional art scene. His work aimed to challenge institutional thinking, a mission that still resonates in today’s artistic landscape. Action Space continues to exist today, morphing into a charity that supports learning-disabled artists, further testament to Turner’s enduring legacy.
Performance as a Living Canvas
In a striking demonstration of his artistic ethos, Turner made headlines last year when he drove a tank over a Tesla, a performance piece that served as a scathing critique of corporate greed and rising authoritarianism. “There’s no difference between performance and painting for me,” he asserts, blurring the lines between various artistic mediums. This philosophy fuels his ongoing creativity, as he prepares to perform at the opening of his new exhibition alongside his daughter.
Despite his age, Turner’s spirit remains unyielded. He has returned to his roots in painting since relocating to Cornwall in the 1990s, where he continues to create large, emotionally charged works that reflect the tumult of our times, including the devastation in Gaza and the climate crisis. “I think museums should buy them,” he insists, underscoring his belief that art can illuminate the darker aspects of humanity and spur necessary conversations.
The Relentless Pursuit of Creation
What drives an artist to continue creating at such an advanced age? For Turner, it is not merely a vocation; it’s an intrinsic need. “If I didn’t [make art], I’d die,” he confesses, revealing that art is his lifeblood. His commitment to painting is unwavering, and he envisions himself continuing to create for as long as he can. “Even though I’m 100, I’ll get to about 110 and I’ll still go on painting,” he proclaims, his determination palpable.
As he prepares for the exhibition, Turner embraces both the challenges and the joys of his craft. He acknowledges the pressure to sell his work but remains adamant about avoiding the West End art market, which he finds distasteful. “I just intensely dislike the critics,” he admits, channeling his frustration into his work rather than conforming to the whims of the art establishment.
Why it Matters
Ken Turner’s journey is not just a story of artistic achievement; it is a profound commentary on the role of art in society. His unwavering commitment to challenging inequality and making art accessible to all serves as a reminder of the transformative power of creativity. In a world rife with division, Turner’s life and work encourage us to embrace art as a means of connection, reflection, and change. As he continues to defy expectations and redefine artistic boundaries, he inspires not just a new generation of artists, but all of us to think critically about our world and our place within it.
