Age of Anxiety 1953

Ben painted ‘Age of Anxiety’ with what looks like oil on canvas, though the exact date remains unknown. There's a real rawness in the way he’s worked the paint, with thin washes and visible brushstrokes that reveal the making process. The texture is crucial here – the surface isn't smooth or polished. Instead, you get this immediate sense of the artist's hand at play. I’m especially drawn to the veiled figure on the left. The dark blue is applied with such urgency, you can almost feel the weight of the material, both literal and metaphorical. Each brushstroke adds to the complexity and depth of emotion in the piece. This reminds me a little of the early work of Marlene Dumas, who also explored themes of psychological tension through the use of unconventional figuration. Ultimately, ‘Age of Anxiety’ presents a view of art as a space for exploration and questioning.