Who is Benjamin Aitken? The Archibald finalist was recently accused of drug abuse. Here are some important details about him.
Benjamin Aitken is a self-taught artist who works for International Arts Services, and an art handling firm. His abstract text-based paintings are well-known.
Benjamin is no stranger to art awards, having been a finalist for the Archibald Prize on several occasions. To name a few, he was a semifinalist for the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize in 2019 and a finalist for the Sir John Sulman Prize in 2020.
In addition, his nameless figurative artwork was chosen as a competitor for the Bayside Acquisitive Art Prize in 2020/21.
Benjamin Aitken Wife And Family Details
Unfortunately, the insight regarding Benjamin Aitken’s wife and family hasn’t been surfaced on the media.
Who is Benjamin Aitken? Archibald Finalist Alleged Drug Abuse
The Archibald Prize finalist Benjamin Aitken, along with his friend and fellow artist Shannon McCulloch, is regarded as a rising star for his representations of a demi-monde of drugs and sleaze.
It was uncommon for them to keep their motivation a secret. Mr. Aitken has the words “drug money” tattooed on his right palm and proudly displays their guns online. Mr. McCulloch’s painting includes obvious drug motifs, and he just earned a $10,000 Brett Whiteley art prize.
After a police search on Mr. Aitken’s property, authorities discovered a commercial quantity of ice, drug-dealing accessories, and a stolen sawn-off shotgun, a court heard that the two were reportedly doing more than experimenting with creative concepts.
Mr. Aitken and Mr. McCulloch were sharing in the success of both being selected 2021 Archibald finalist in the months leading up to their arrest.
Benjamin Aitken’s ‘Jack’ entered in the 2018 Black Swan Prize currently on display at the @ArtGalleryWA. Artist Prize Winner as selected by the @blackswanprize finalist artists #perthart #portrait pic.twitter.com/uBFWXyqaJ3
— NOMA* (@NOMA_architect) November 8, 2018
When officers came to Mr. Aitken’s home at 9 a.m. on October 26 to execute a search warrant.
Police allegedly discovered a big drug-dealing operation inside the Franklin Street flat in Melbourne’s CBD.
Police reportedly discovered more than 90 grams of what they thought was MDMA during their search, but testing later revealed it was methamphetamine, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard this week.
Benjamin Aitken Age
Benjamin Aitken’s current age is 30-years-old. He was born in 1991 and holds an Australian nationality.
He grew up in Bayside and attended Sandringham Secondary College. He continues his connection to the school as an inspiring guest speaker to year 12 art students.