Ken Turner, the centenarian artist renowned for his unconventional approach to art, remains a powerful voice against societal inequalities and artistic confines. With a new exhibition opening at the Wharfside Arts Hub in Penzance, Turner reflects on a life steeped in creativity, radicalism, and a relentless quest to make art accessible for all.
A Life Rich in Artistic Exploration
“Life is short, art long,” muses Ken Turner, quoting the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. At 100 years old, Turner embodies this adage, having filled his century with a vibrant tapestry of artistic endeavours. As possibly the oldest performance artist in the world, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what art can represent and achieve.
In the 1960s, he pivoted from traditional painting towards a form of public art that prioritised social engagement, crafting inflatable sculptures that encouraged interaction long before immersive art gained popularity. Turner’s illustrious career has seen him mentored by Fernand Léger and count influential figures like John Berger among his friends. Last year, he made headlines by crushing a Tesla with a tank in a performance that sharply critiqued corporate greed and the rise of fascism—an act emblematic of his lifelong commitment to rebellion and innovation.
A Legacy of Rebellion
Turner’s artistic journey is defined by a staunch rejection of conventional norms. After being conscripted during the Second World War, he returned with a fiery resolve to create but found himself at odds with the established art world. He famously turned down a place at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art, disillusioned by the colour of its walls, believing that if they couldn’t get that right, they certainly wouldn’t be able to teach him.
His disdain for the art market continued throughout his career. “I didn’t like the dealers; I thought they smelled foul, they looked crooked, and they were monsters in their own right,” he recalls. This sentiment underscores his belief that art should exist outside the confines of elite galleries. Instead, he opted for a teaching role and became a founding member of Action Space, an art collective focused on bringing art to the masses through community engagement and play.
The Power of Performance
As Turner’s artistic endeavours evolved, so too did his love for performance art—a passion that culminated in his striking tank performance last year. “For me, there’s no difference between performance and painting,” he insists. “I perform when I’m painting, and I’m painting when I perform.”
Now residing in Cornwall, Turner has rekindled his passion for painting, finding joy in the act itself. As he prepares for his latest exhibition, he shares the importance of maintaining a playful spirit in art. “The more you go through education into university, the more you forget to play, and playing is incredibly important,” he asserts.
Despite his disdain for the traditional art scene, he remains committed to selling his work, albeit on his own terms. “I still need to sell paintings, but I don’t want to go into the West End to sell them,” he states, revealing a deep-rooted resistance to conforming to the expectations of critics and galleries.
An Artistic Vision for Change
Turner’s artwork is not just a personal expression; it’s a commentary on pressing global issues. His latest pieces tackle themes like the devastation in Gaza and the dire impacts of climate change. “They instruct people; they’re about the sadness of the planet, the development of cruelty and inequality that’s happening,” he explains.
His belief in the power of art to affect change is palpable, and it fuels his creative drive even at the age of 100. “If I didn’t make art, I’d die. It gives me life,” he admits, emphasising the necessity of his creative pursuits for his mental well-being.
As Turner prepares to perform at the exhibition’s opening alongside his daughter, he demonstrates that age is no barrier to creativity. “Even though I’m 100, I’ll get to about 110 and I’ll still go on painting,” he asserts, a testament to his unwavering passion for artistic expression.
Why it Matters
Ken Turner’s journey is not merely that of an artist but of a visionary who challenges societal norms and advocates for a more inclusive art world. His belief in the transformative power of art serves as a rallying cry for future generations, urging them to engage with the world around them and to use creativity as a tool for social change. As he continues to create at 100 years old, Turner stands as a living embodiment of resilience,