The Chewing Gum Man visits Year 6
On Tuesday 19th May, Year 6 took part in a workshop with London street artist Ben Wilson, also known as The Chewing Gum Man.
Ben is famous for creating tiny, highly detailed paintings on discarded pieces of chewing gum found on pavements across London and beyond.
Based in Muswell Hill in North London, Ben has spent more than twenty years transforming something most people see as litter into miniature works of art. Many of his tiny paintings carry personal stories, messages or memories suggested by passers by, making his work both playful and deeply connected to the community around him.
His artwork can be spotted all over London, particularly along the Millennium Bridge, where hundreds of his colourful gum pictures surprise people who happen to look down as they walk. Ben’s unusual and imaginative work has been featured by the BBC, The Guardian and The New York Times, and he has also exhibited internationally. Thank you to Nate for contacting him and inviting him to visit us at Rupert House.
During the workshop, the children explored Ben’s creative process and discovered how art can be made in the most unexpected places and materials. They enjoyed taking their creativity in their own direction and were reminded that art can come from many different starting points.
Ben mentioned that he was keen to create some new artwork on the streets of Henley on his way back to the station this afternoon, so do look down at the pavement for a possible mini masterpiece as you walk around town!
