ARTISTBen Malcolmson

Ben Malcolmson (b.1999) is a photographer born and based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Ben works with photography, video and sculpture exploring alternative processes with relation to one’s land and identity. His practice further deals with the communication of the landscape, looking at the familiar and psychological complexities of the self with performative-based elements as an undertone.

In 2019 Ben was awarded to be apart of ‘Making Marks’ by the Arab British Centre, funded by the British Council Kuwait. ‘Making Marks’, explored the impact of international working on emerging artists. Ben’s recent residency to Kuwait was one stage in the ‘Making Marks’ project. Over several months, Ben worked with Belfast Exposed Gallery on a body of work titled ‘Murmur’ which was exhibited in the gallery as a solo show during February 2020.

Malcolmson has recently finished his Erasmus studies at The Royal Academy of Art, The Hague in Bachelor’s of Photography. And will continue his previous studies, undertaking Bachelor’s of Photography with Video at Ulster University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, graduating in 2021. Recently, Malcolmson has joined as a studio artist in the Flax Artist Studios, in their emerging artist hub programme, and is a current participant in the DHG Student Forum iii programme.

Additionally, Ben has worked with Belfast Exposed Gallery for several years, participating in their Young Futures programme working as an instructor for the galleries summer scheme as well as an invigilator. Work from Ben’s most recent project was featured in Belfast Exposed Future Gallery ‘Murmur’.

I work with photography, video and sculpture exploring alternative processes with relation to one’s land and identity. My practice further deals with the communication of the landscape, looking at the familiar and psychological complexities of the self with performative-based elements as an undertone.

My work harbours from a place of belonging, coming from a region with perceived layers of physical and emotional sensitivity. I navigate through the fringes of this space with a tenderness in my methodology. The passive role of the performer is evident within the process of making, the role of the body works within the parameters of the representation of one’s sense of self. The aspect of collaboration and intervention nurtures within my practice, working in conjunction with likeminded creatives contributes to an organic relationship of reflection and reaction.

‘Sunset No.1 & 2’, Ben Malcolmson, Polaroid, 2020.

ARTWORKS BY Ben Malcolmson

Sunset No.1 & 2

ARTIST’S Accolades

Awards & Residencies

2019, Awarded to be part of ‘Making Marks’ by the Arab British Centre, funded by the British Council Kuwait.
Member of Flax Artist Studios, in their emerging artist hub programme.
Participant of DHG Student Forum iii programme.

Exhibitions

February 2020, ‘Murmur’ , Solo Exhibition, Belfast Exposed Gallery.

Reviews

2020 – Making Marks – Online
2020 – Belfast Exposed – Online interview
2020 – Arab British Centre – Online
2020 – Arab British Centre Artist Talk ‘Making Marks: Exploring Creative Exchange’, Zoom