Benjamin Warner – Dawn until Dusk

It is rare to create work that is both contemporary and yet laced in pre-eminent Turneresque skill, Benjamin’s work is timeless. This collection has an exciting array of varying lights, some possess an immediate sense of warmth whilst others transport you to a blustery day along the Falmouth coast. These, however, are often alleviated by bright white beams radiating from the dusky clouds above. A serene haze envelops the horizon line whilst the wild waves glisten beneath the bleaching sun.

This body of work includes several views of the Falmouth Docks as the sun hasn’t quite lifted above the horizon. These brooding and atmospheric landscapes are offered gentle relief by glimmering lights emanating from the surrounding homes. This helps to inject a sense of life and habitation within the industrial scenes. Large intricate ships with strong angular shapes interrupt the velvet grey skies and, despite their size, look rather peaceful. It’s as if you have arisen early to walk your dog or sail your boat to its next destination and despite the busy landscape before you, everyone is in bed and your day feels like the only one to have begun.

The largest and most colourful of the collection is an ethereal depiction of sunrise upon Falmouth Bay. With a view of Flushing contrasting the intense warmth radiating from the golden sun, glassy water reflects the intense colours whilst the boats serenely grace the water’s surface. A distant horizon line breaks through the hazy purple mist whilst the sun gradually rises and acts as a gentle beacon of hope for the day ahead.

From cascading waves with light dancing across the canvas to a gradual glow flooding. colour to tranquil scenes. This exhibition by Benjamin is a tale of two halves and two styles with one key narrative to link them, the profound ability of light to transform a landscape and with it, our perspective.

Words by Sophie Castle

Paintings by Benjamin Warner, glassware by Louisa Raven

Paintings by Benjamin Warner, ceramic by Annie Hellyer

Paintings by Benjamin Warner, ceramics by Andrew Knee and Steve Smith