BRADFORD-based contemporary artist Ben Snowden is looking forward to an exciting year with a number of exhibitions across the UK and abroad.

From March 14 to June 2 his work is featuring in Made in Britain, 82 Painters of the 21st Century, at the National Gallery of Poland in Gdansk.

The exhibition includes works by such world-renowned artists as David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Alan Davie, Mandy Payne and Enzo Marra.

It features a selection of paintings from the Priseman Seabrook Collection - a British-based private collection founded by the artist Robert Priseman and his wife Ally Seabrook.

Made up of three categories: 21st century British painting, 20th and 21st century British works on paper and Contemporary Chinese works on paper, it is the only art collection in the United Kingdom dedicated to painting produced in Britain after the year 2000 and pieces from it are periodically exhibited at galleries across Europe.

The show will be held over three floors at The Green Gate gallery, which is one of the main tourist attractions in Gdansk.

“It’s a real honour to be part of the ‘Made in Britain’ exhibition,” he says. “I was personally contacted by artist/curator Robert Priseman to be part of this prestigious collection. I am thrilled to have some of my paintings included at Gdansk - it is a fantastic moment in my life, for which I’m very grateful.”

Ben, who grew up in Keighley and studied at Bradford College, has exhibited in Poland before as well as other European cities. He would like to attend all the shows, but it is not possible.

“I try to get some exhibitions but unfortunately due to the distance I can’t always get to all of them - last year I exhibited some paintings in Amsterdam, Romania and Greece. I’m just really happy that my paintings are getting noticed and getting out there.”

A new painting by Ben is on display in Bradford Open 2019, which enables artists aged 16 and over who live, work or study within the district to showcase artwork. Running until May 5, it is held at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Lister Park.

He also has a new work on display at Ferens Art Gallery Open Exhibition in Hull that ends on April 14 2019.

Says Ben: “I have two new paintings being exhibited at the moment, one currently at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery and another at Ferens Art Gallery in Hull.

“It’s great to have new work in exhibitions but it’s really good to display older paintings which haven’t had a chance to be shown yet. I like to show a broad of range of my painting style, it helps keep an open dialogue between the artist and viewer.”

Ben has donated a large abstract to Bid and Rebuild: an auction of contemporary art raising money for two charities supporting refugees to rebuild their lives in the UK. It will be held on March 14 at Saul Hay Gallery in Manchester.

“I’m really proud to be part of this event. Art is a positive element in life, hopefully enough will be raised to help these people. It’s a great cause.”

He is also taking part in Reunion, an exhibition at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool.

Organised by Promoting Art In Aintree (PARTIA), it runs until October.

Ben works with a range of mediums including spray paint, industrial paints, graphite and household paints on paper, card, textiles and board.

“They are things I come across in daily life. I’m always experimenting with different paints and materials to paint on. Art should always be challenging for the artist as well as the viewer.

“All the paintings I’m exhibiting at the moment are all abstract works,” he says. “They individually explore colour, form, shape as well as my own personal feelings and emotions that I experience in life.”

Until February 28 Ben’s work can be seen in Celebration of Colour, a film presentation on Bradford Big Screen in City Park. Organised by the website artists’ guide notjusthockney.info and Bradford Unesco City of Film, it shows every day at 12.30pm.

Other exhibitions Ben is taking part in include Our Earth 2018, a group show of British and international artists at Kunsthuis Gallery in Crayke, North Yorkshire. It ends on March 31.

He also takes private commissions and has produced album artwork for bands.

“I also have a selection of paintings for sale at; Rushworths Fine Art Framing in Thornton’s South Square Centre.

“I have a busy year ahead - it really feels like my path as an artist is only just beginning,” he adds.

*To find out more about Ben visit bensnowdenartist.com; facebook.com/bensnowdenartist;

twitter.com/bensnowdenart; instagram.com/bensnowdenartist