Drug Cocktailing & High End Art

In this episode, we chat with Ben Aitken about his experience with overcoming addiction and changing his relationship with alcohol and drugs. In this episode, Jack and Ben discuss: Good and bad experiences with various different drugs Ben's experience with addiction What it was like for Ben to have media reporting on his story and the negative impacts of stigma Ben's experience in drug and alcohol rehab centresMuch, much more Ben's Bio: Across painting, sculpture, text and video, Aitken is a relentless creator whose body of work continues to evolve a complex narrative of identity. There is a grappling urge to communicate, to connect – to appeal and to repulse, to jar and to soothe – all the while showing that these dualities are what dance together to make us whole. The manic frenzy of painted brushstrokes with the sharpened resolve of impact font, the vibrant products of mass consumerism with the nihilistic urge of self-destruction. Aitken’s work is a maelstrom of energy that flirts with disaster but delivers us poise, and the trajectory of its path gathers its own momentum.Ben Aitken is a collector, supporter and the co-founder of Nicholas Projects. In 2023 Ben plants to continue supporting the arts with itinerant projects under the Nicholas Projects Banner, and commence a podcast focusing on bringing together people from all walks of life to talk about mental health including comedians, sommeliers, writers, artists, curators whilst supporting broadcasting letters from men and women currently incarcerated across Australia.Aitken won the 2018 Tony Fini Foundation Prize, Art Gallery of Western Australia and was a finalist in the Archibald Prize 2019, 2018 and 2017. Aitken’s work was recently exhibited at Haengchen Art Museum, Korea and he has a solo show at Bangkok’s TARS later this year. Aitken frequently collaborates with Jon Cattapan, their recent exhibition at the Latrobe Arts Institute was curated by Dr. Kent Wilson.You can find out more about Ben via his Instagram here: benjamin_aitken_art___________________________If you or a loved one needs help beating addiction, you can visit www.connectionbasedliving.com.au