Ben Wilson’s paintings with street gum

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)

To combat climate change, Ben Wilson uses gum from the streets of London

Ben Wilson is a London-based artist who creates artworks with gum that people throw in the street. And although it sounds a little gross, the artwork is quite admirable for the dedication and story behind it.

However this is not new, Wilson has used gum for 15 years and been nicknamed The Chewing Gum Man.

His work process is simple, he walks the streets of London searching for canvases (gums on the floor). Hence, once he locates one, he simply kneels down next to it to position his brushes and paints.

Thus, he turns a street space into a nomadic studio that attracts a lot of attention. Once he finds the perfect gum, Wilson stretches it with a burner and unleashes his imagination. Additionally, the finishing touch, once he is done painting, is to add varnish on each piece for permanence. Lastly, he picks up his sporadic art studio and finds another space with gum.

A new way of recycling

However, this is not the only work related to art that he has done, he has made a career sculpting wood.

In Wilson’s view, he intervenes gum to give trash a second life, a new way of recycling. And yes, it’s also an initiative that seeks to combat climate change and degradation. However, even if many people see them as beautiful pieces, the key aspect is for people to stop throwing gum in the street.

Recently, a group of youngsters raised money through a Kickstarter campaign for a book about The Chewing Gum Man. After that, he collected the most impressive artworks with gum, told the story behind the initiative and his concern for the environment.

Unfortunately, Ben doesn’t have a website or social media accounts, but you’ll surely find him on some London street intervening gum.

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)