Benjamin Senior's 'Minor Streets' Exhibition Revives 1930s British Social Realism at Carl Freedman Gallery

At the Carl Freedman Gallery in Margate, Benjamin Senior presents his exhibition 'Minor Streets,' which features vibrant paintings of London that capture its diverse residents in tranquil daily moments. Drawing inspiration from 1930s British social realism and artists such as Stanley Spencer, these pieces romanticize life in the aftermath of World War I. Among the highlighted works are 'Smoke' (2023) and 'Sari' (2023), which illustrate the simple joys of city life. The exhibition, open until 12 November, utilizes exaggerated forms and visual humor, seen in 'Green Dress' (2023) and 'Colour Play' (2023), reflecting social intricacies. Senior's artwork merges realism with abstraction, offering an idealistic perspective despite the challenges of urban decline and violence, all while retaining a surreal essence.