Black Bile

Benjamin Rostance is a trauma-informed, working-class artist from Nottingham, U.K. His practice explores mental health, trauma, and recovery, drawing from his lived experience as both a survivor of childhood trauma and an adult navigating healing.

       In their art, Rostance examines the dynamic between the inner child—seeking acceptance and understanding—and the adult in recovery. His art reflects his upbringing as the youngest in a large, working-class family. Rostance's wider practice considers the effects of trauma on the body, both internally and externally.

       Beyond his independent practice, Benjamin has worked on a BAFTA-nominated film, collaborated professionally with institutions such as the National Trust, University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. Rostance was selected for New Contemporaries 2021 and has exhibited across the U.K, including at the South London Gallery, Firstsite Colchester, Backlit Gallery, and New Art Exchange, with performances at DRIP Liverpool and SLAP Nottingham.

       Currently, Rostance is in training as an art therapist at MA level at Derby University, expanding his practice to explore the therapeutic potential of art in recovery and mental health.