Four Piece Orchestra 

Ben's 'Four Piece Orchestra' presents a scene rendered in oil paint, a medium that allows for rich color and texture. The work is a composition of three musicians and their instruments, each painted with a degree of simplification that brings attention to their forms. The materiality of the paint itself is crucial here; its thickness and layering create a tactile surface that mimics the physicality of the music being played. The artist's brushstrokes define the shapes of the instruments – the taut strings of the violin and cello, the curves of the guitar – while also suggesting the labor involved in creating these sounds. The figures’ clothing, the overalls and work boots, place them in a specific social context, far from a formal concert hall. Instead, this is a scene of everyday music-making, deeply rooted in community and tradition. By focusing on the materials, the processes, and the social context, Ben challenges the traditional distinctions between high art and the everyday experiences of working-class individuals, reminding us that art is not just about representation, but about the labor and lives it reflects.