With imagery sourced from popular media, newspapers, magazines, and the internet, Ben Griffiths explores the ambiguity and absurdity of the human situation. For the Point Blank exhibition, Griffiths has created a series of portraits of powerful figures from our collective histories and imaginations. Inspired by medieval icon painting and portrait miniatures, Ben has also applied his distinctive sense of humour and whimsy to these subjects, some of whom we might recognise.

Originally from Masterton, Ben Griffiths completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree across four different institutions, completing his degree at Elam School of Fine Arts in 2005. Griffiths moved to Sweden in 2006, where he lived for 10 years and continued to make art work while working as a scenic painter for the Gothenburg Opera House. He has since returned with his family to NZ and now lives in West Auckland, making art and working as a set painter in the film and TV industry. "I feel really fortunate to be able to work with others in a creative industry such as film and TV. Most days I basically play with colour and texture which is immensely satisfying." Griffiths’ recent projects include Power Rangers, a horror film, a drama about rugby and The Meg.