RHS Diary Page 4 Collage

Benjamin West is a multi-disciplinary artist using nature as his main inspiration. Through the mediums of collage, photography, sound, film, and scanography, his practice examines our ever-changing relationship with nature, and investigates the consequences of human activity upon our surroundings. Following the principles of natural observational science he passionately collects old books and old photographs. The fragmented, lost, or unwanted resources are combined to examine the human impact upon the natural environment. Issues regarding genetic modification, pollution, and urbanisation define his work. Whilst his work possesses a playfulness, it is also West’s intention to communicate a serious environmental and political statement. West was born in Alton, Hampshire in 1974. He graduated from London College of Communication in 1996 with Ba (Hons) in Graphic and Media Design. In 2003 he went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Photography at Falmouth Art College. He has since been involved in many creative projects using a variety of mediums in the UK and around the world.