Rust by Ben Allanoff
There are a handful of art galleries in the high desert but most don’t know about the Black Rock Art Gallery that is operated by the Joshua Tree National Park. This small gallery inside the Black Rock ranger station presents short-term exhibitions by contemporary artists. The current show Rust by artist Ben Allanoff intimately features his intentional use of metals natural oxidation.
Allanoff, is a local artist based in Joshua Tree. He works primarily with plant material, steel, wire and found objects. Allanoff is known for creating large scale outdoor metal installations and smaller tabletop sculpture. The show is an unexpected departure of mostly 2D pieces using rust as his medium and primary tool for printmaking.
Ben Allanoff will also be leading a free collage workshop March 10, 2023, for all ages before the show closes.
We caught up with the artist to discuss his latest show and the journey that led to Rust.
Something tells me that there was an interesting moment when you were inspired to make prints using rust. Tell me how this process came about?
While living in Topanga, I left some metal objects out on a piece of canvas all winter (by mistake) - when I discovered them I saw the marks they left on the canvas and decided to use the same process intentionally. Happy accident.
This show is very distinct to your experience in the desert. You were based in Topanga when we met, what brought you to Joshua Tree?
I love Topanga but after my kids went to college I was ready for a change. I had been enjoying JTNP for about 30 years, so this was an easy choice for me.
Rust seems like a practical evolution to your existing metal works? What turns you on about metal and steel?
I’m instinctively attracted to natural materials and processes. Steel isn’t quite “natural”, but iron and rust are, so… Conversely, I am not attracted to most things plastic, digital, or that involve a lot of technology or machinery. I like to keep things simple.
Who influences you?
So many - I was inspired by Andy Gioldsworthy’s amazing movie “Rivers and Tides” to start making art in and with nature. Maya Lin’s earthwork at Storm King in NY also inspired me a lot. I absorbed a ton of Matisse, Picasso, Miro, and Arp as a younger person, and I think their work may have become imprinted in my mind as archetypes, now I unconsciously transform and regurgitate their shapes, lines, ideas, etc
What is your relationship to veteran metal sculpture Simi Dabah?
I’ve been a huge fan for years. I love the way he took garbage - scrap metal - and arranged it into forms that give people so much pleasure. I love that his work is so playful and intuitive, and that he has always donated 100% of the proceeds from his art sales to local charities - turning garbage into art into good works. What could be better?
When the show comes down, where can visitors see your other bodies of work?
At present, some of my Wildflower weathervane sculptures are up at Furstwurld, and Woven Windows is at Sky’s the Limit.
In your show description you state that you are not a musician yet I have seen your musical performance art. Will you be performing anytime soon?
Good one. I loved playing my Sound Machine at Furstwurld but I can’t call myself a musician. On February 25 from 10am to 4pm, I am having an Open Studio event at the Simi Dabah Sculpture Park (4th and Sunfair). I will be showing new work, and I will probably play the Sound Machine, and who knows what else. I hope to have some real musicians there. Everyone is invited.
What can one expect at your collage workshop?
I’m going to talk briefly about the sheet metal collages in the RUST show, and then participants will be invited to do their own thing with paper, scissors, and glue. I am sure it will be a lot of fun.
Collage Workshop with Artist
Friday, March 10, 2023, 4pm-6pm
Black Rock Nature Center
Free (all ages and abilities)
All Images © Estée Ochoa