Artist Residency: Benjamin Sebastian

Artist Benjamin Sebastian got in touch with us earlier this year, looking for space to undertake a residency in the Oldham region. The location of Oldham was key to their work, as they are currently exploring their paternal lineage to industrial Oldham.

Benjamin was born in Australia, but has now lived in London for half of their life. Benjamin’s father is from Oldham and went over to Australia as part of the Ten Pound Pom migration scheme after the Second World War. Benjamin’s familial stories are influencing their latest body of work, which explores heritage, (de)colonialism and identity.

Their 3 week residency here at 1853 Studios which finished this month, builds upon a previous residency undertaken in Australia, and links these two parts of the artist’s heritage. We were all incredibly inspired by Benjamin’s presence here at the studios, which instigated a series wonderful discussions around Oldham history and legacy.

Benjamin was working predominantly with printed textiles for this series of work, a nod to the cotton industry that has fuelled this region.

We look forward to sharing Benjamin’s work next year as part of an exhibition that showcases these 2 residencies. Stay tuned for more info on that!

If you’d like to follow Benjamin’s work, head to their website here, or instagram here.

If you’re interested in short term residencies here at 1853 Studios, or other artist development opportunities, email luca@1853studios.co.uk