Benjamin Work, born in 1979 in Auckland, New Zealand, is an artist of Tongan (Vava'u) and Scottish heritage. His artistic journey began with a strong foundation in aerosol painting as a core member of TMD, The Most Dedicated. Over time, Work's practice evolved to incorporate traditional Tongan motifs, particularly those found in ngatu (bark cloth), fala (mats), and 'akau tau (war clubs) - blending contemporary street art aesthetics with indigenous cultural symbols.
Work’s practice embodies the recent progress of Pasifika artists raised in Aotearoa on American sub/pop culture, while also exploring the complexities of contemporary cultural institutions and their relationship with Pacific people.
His recent paintings combining an ongoing investigation into the traditional use of colour - kula (red) and `uli (black) , ngatu (bark cloth making), kupesi (designs and motifs) and the heliaki (semiotics) of the povāi (ancient Tongan war clubs). His work informs a contemporary conversation on the parallels that can be drawn between established Tongan traditions and the spiritual and social significance these have for Tongans within the contemporary Pacific diaspora of urban New Zealand.
The visual language of his work references historical narratives, iconography, symbolism, and design elements that are particular to Tongan culture, which are positioned amidst beliefs connected with Ta and Va (time and space), Tatau (symmetry), Potupotutatau (harmony) and Faka `ofa `ofa (beauty).
Benjamin Work has exhibited in England, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, the United States of America, Rarotonga and Tonga. In 2016, Work was invited to present at METfriday at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, USA. In 2024, Benjamin was a McCahon House Artist in Residence.
Bergman Gallery has represented Benjamin Work since 2016.