Street Art

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.

Wilson’s Kickstarter Campaign for his book

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.

Wilson’s Kickstarter Campaign for his book

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.

Wilson’s Kickstarter Campaign for his book

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.

Wilson’s Kickstarter Campaign for his book

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)

David Zuriaga

Música, Artes, Fotografía, Perros y Punk.

Recent Posts

CONTEMPORARY ART NOW LAUNCHES ITS FIRST EDITION WITH A LOT OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Renowned and emerging artists will participate in the first edition of CAN Contemporary Art Now…

2 years ago

SAID DOKINS REVEALED HIS NEW MURAL THE MAGIC SQUARE IN DOHA

The Magic Square by Said Dokins is part of the international festival POW! WOW! Qatar…

2 years ago

MADEME, THE STREETWEAR BRAND RETURNS AFTER TWO YEARS OF ABSENCE

MadeMe is officially back to give doses of streetwear to all lovers of urban fashion!…

2 years ago

SAILOR MOON AND VANS: A VERY STELLAR COLLECTION

Attention anime fans! Sailor Moon and Vans just released this collection as a homage to…

2 years ago

QUANTUM SPACE: JUSTIN AVERSANO’S PHYSICAL NFT GALLERY

In Quantum Space other NFT artists will be able to exhibit and sell their works…

2 years ago

DR. BOMBAY’S SWEET EXPLORATION, SNOOP DOGG’S NFT DESSERTS

And it is a fact! Snoop Dogg will open his NFT's dessert restaurant, Dr. Bombay's…

2 years ago