Featured Artist

Ben Wright

How / when did you know that you were an artist?

I think I’m still finding that out?! But I knew I wanted to start making work from the time I first started dancing, aged 19. I always knew I wanted to do something creative – but as each year passes I find new challenges and possibilities to test the boundaries of what I do. I’m constantly learning what being an artist means.

But in terms of making and facilitating, what I do now, I’ve been choreographing primarily over the last 7 years.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

I would do something creative – probably photography – I’ve always been passionate about that. Also, I did graphic design and stage design when I was doing my A Levels, so I might have gone down that route.

How would you describe your work?

Constantly evolving. I set myself a benchmark not to jump out of the same box twice. I try and invest a deep integrity in what I do and try not to shy away from the bigger themes in life – love, loss… Maybe it’s not trendy, but I try and bring heart to the work I undertake.

I aim to have a beginner’s mind – always questioning… so I like my work to be surprising to me and those who see it.

Also the performers are a big part of my work as I collaborate with the artists I work with. You should see the performers vividly – the work is them.

What do you want your viewers to learn or think about when they see one of your pieces?

I don’t think you can second guess that. If you try and make work for an imagined viewer, you run the risk of either patronising people or limiting yourself or both! But I would like people to be emotionally engaged.

I make the work that I myself would want to see, not in a narcissistic way but I try to be honest about what I find engaging. I have to trust that if I do my job well and specifically focus attention, someone else will be interested. But I have no idea what the audience will feel – it’s up to them, what ever is imparted from the stage is digested in the hearts of the viewer. I generally go to see work with an open curiosity and I can only hope that people who come to see my work share that spirit of interest.

Who inspires you and why?

Artists like Miranda July, a perfromance artist from America, Bill Viola - the great  video artist, Antony Gormley… artists that deal with the body. Duane Michals, an American photographer – his work is astonishingly spiritual. The late US photographer Francesca Woodman – her work is full of bodies emerging – there’s something very visceral about it. Dance wise – Jonathan Burrows for his rigour and exquisite practice, UK performance artist Augusto Corrieri who I think is a genius. Trisha Brown for the kinetic functionality in her work. Robert Lepage and Robert Wilson for their bold theatrical wisdom. As a rule I’m inspired by individuals who wrestle with the absurdities and wonderments of the human condition, as grand as that sounds.

My employment also offers me a great deal. I also work in opera and theatre and am engaging with a host of musicians, artists, directors and performers on a regular basis – the level of discourse and problem solving I encounter provides a real source of inspiration.

If you could work anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

New Zealand – it’s ravishingly beautiful – the light and landscape leave me breathless.

Or America – New York… There is so much information and artistic history in that city. Getting lost in New York is one of my favourite past times. I am working there for 10 weeks next year. I can't wait!

What do you feel your greatest accomplishments are?

I don’t know if there is a ‘greatest’ I love what I do. Memorable activities include:

Founding my company: bgroup and starting that journey.

Restaging the community opera ‘Tobias and The Angel’ by Jonathan Dove, which was a production by the Young Vic. It was a marriage of professional and community participation and was a wonderful experience.  It feels like a real accomplishment when you help someone believe in themselves and help them lose their inhibitions.

I guess being the lead in a Broadway show was pretty astounding! Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. That show changed my life.

Generally I am pretty chuffed with the way things turned out, I feel remarkably fortunate. Its been somewhat of a journey from when I first started dancing in Derby, being taught ballet for free for a year by my first inspirational teacher: Eve Leveaux, to finding myself in my present circumstances. There is definitely an overall sense of accomplishment for sure, but I have a long way to go.

Also, retaining my level of curiosity – I think that’s an achievement!

Have you won any awards?

A Nesta fellowship.

Jerwood Choreographic Prize with Rachel Krische.

Bonnie Bird Choreographic Award.

C&A Cosmopolitan Dance Award, 1989.

For more information about Ben and his company bgroup, please visit: www.bgroup.org.uk

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