Meet Ken Turner, the 100-year-old creative maverick who's still pushing boundaries like a rockstar in his twilight years. As he prepares to unleash a new exhibition at the Wharfside Arts Hub in Penzance, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a wildly innovative showcase of art that's as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning. With a career spanning over eight decades and counting, Turner's dedication to experimental and socially conscious art has been unwavering – as evidenced by his infamous tank-driving stunt on top of a Tesla last year.
Turner's foray into the world of art began after serving in the Royal Engineers during World War II, an experience that left him with a burning desire to create and a healthy dose of skepticism towards the art establishment. He famously turned down a place at London's Slade School of Fine Art due to its drab colour scheme – talk about making a statement! Later, he refused to complete his final exam at Regent Street Polytechnic because of their stifling stylistic expectations. This rebellious spirit has defined Turner's career, leading him to reject the conventional gallery spaces and dealer networks.
In the 1960s, Turner made the bold switch from traditional painting to public art, crafting massive, interactive inflatable sculptures that would put today's immersive artists to shame. Inspired by radical theatre director Joan Littlewood, he co-founded Action Space, an art collective dedicated to democratising art and bringing it out of galleries and into community spaces. The goal was to engage the public through education and play, reflecting Turner's conviction that imagination and creativity are essential tools for learning.
The upcoming exhibition in Penzance will be a thrilling showcase of Turner's latest works, demonstrating his continued artistic evolution at an age when most people would be happy to put their feet up. His son, filmmaker Huw Wahl, has contributed a poignant filmic portrait of his father, which will be screened on loop throughout the show. Wahl notes that his dad's painting is "getting better and better" due to an increasing sense of playfulness – something he believes Turner has always possessed in spades. This ongoing creativity highlights Turner's philosophy that there's always more to look forward to, rather than dwelling on the past.
Turner's life story is also captured in his two books, 'Crashing Culture' and 'A Life Being Ken Turner,' titles that perfectly encapsulate his approach to art and life. He views himself not as a revolutionary, but as a "simple rebel," consistently challenging conventions and forging his own unique path. His enduring commitment to making art accessible and provocative continues to inspire – proving that age is no barrier to radical artistic expression.