In the bustling city of London, artist Ben Wilson can be found lying on the side of the Millennium Bridge, meticulously painting dried chewing gum that has been stepped on by countless pedestrians.
Dressed in an orange jumpsuit covered in streaks of paint, the 60-year-old artist explains the significance of his work, “The gum is intentionally placed below the metal tread, and what makes it beautiful is the unique shapes and sizes of the gum. There is no conformity.”
While most people avoid or overlook discarded gum on the ground, Wilson sees it as an opportunity to transform something unwanted into something beautiful. He aims to captivate passersby and encourage them to take a closer look at the ground beneath their feet.
Wilson explains, “By creating miniature artworks, those who observe them are transported into a hidden world beneath their feet. It’s all about perception.”
Back in his studio in north London, Wilson creates artwork on small mosaic tiles that he later installs on the walls of London’s Underground train platforms. These hidden pieces are more personal than the chewing gum works and serve as an “intuitive visual diary,” according to the artist.
He explains, “These images celebrate my life and the people I hold dear. They also represent my process of visually exploring and understanding the world.”
Having been raised by artist parents, Wilson started working with clay at the age of three and held his first art exhibition at just 10 or 11 years old. His artistic journey led him from sculptures to large-scale works in natural environments before finding inspiration in discarded items from consumerist society, such as chewing gum.
One unique aspect of Wilson’s gum art is that it exists on the top surface of the dried gum, which is not subject to local or national jurisdictions. This allows him to create his art without defacing public property.
Wilson shares, “I discovered this little space where I could express myself spontaneously and create something that evolves from its surroundings. It’s a form of art that is intricately linked to its place of creation.”
While many of his street artworks, whether it be gum on the pavement or tiles in the Underground, have been removed by authorities, the hundreds of gum paintings on Millennium Bridge remain untouched, serving as a testament to Wilson’s creativity.
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