Ben Ashton (born 1983) is a British visual artist based in London, known for his hyper-realistic portraiture and immersive installation works. His practice combines classical techniques inspired by the Old Masters with contemporary distortion, often subverting traditional "swagger portraits" to critique historical and modern pomposity.
Ashton was born in London to an artist father and a mother who was a head of creative arts. He completed his Art Foundation at Abingdon College (2001–2002) with distinction. He went on to study at Newcastle University, graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) in Fine Art (2002–2006). He later completed his MFA in Painting at the Slade School of Fine Art, London (2006–2008).[2]
Notable works
Ashton’s work is characterised by the use of oil paint on canvas, panel, or paper, often resulting in photorealistic figures that are physically distorted, blurred, or obscured[3].
To Our Glorious Future: A series focusing on the Regency era and the birth of the British Empire. These works mimic the composition of historical portraiture (specifically the style of Thomas Lawrence) but introduce visual "glitches" or distortions to challenge the self-congratulatory nature of the genre.[4]
The King is Dead, Long Live the King: A body of work that continues his exploration of historical subversion, featuring subjects in period costume with exaggerated physical warping.[5]
Album Artwork: Ashton created the cover art for Rag'n'Bone Man’s debut album Human and AlunaGeorge’s Body Music, often collaborating with his wife, photographer Fiona Garden.[6]
The Fashtons: Collaborative photographic and installation projects involving his wife, Fiona Garden, which explore their domestic and creative partnership.
Exhibitions
Ashton has exhibited internationally in solo and group shows, as well as in major portraiture competitions.
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2025: Or You Could Panic, Corey Helford Gallery.[7]
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