Local artist Simon Morriss, renowned for his exhibitions with the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, in the Royal Watercolour Society Contemporary Watercolour Exhibition and at the Royal West of England Academy has recently unveiled a stunning new art installation within Carterton Community Centre’s Community Room. The project has been in planning for just over a year, so everyone was thrilled to see the completed work.
The manager of the Carterton Community Centre, Gill Carver tells us more:
“Once funding had been secured from WODC the centre set up a steering committee to work alongside the artist. Different community groups and residents were asked to share memories and ideas on what is important about Carterton, both past and present. So, the inspiration for the painting is a culmination of ideas, memories and fascinating historical facts Simon uncovered. The painting records both the history of the town and its present (as of 2024) recognising that its present will eventually blend with its past.”
Simon best described his artwork, “The painting surface is treated as a wall which contains the past. At home, we often use a wall to record our histories and to hang photos or pictures of things we have made. We might put up shelves to display objects from our family's past or things we have bought on holidays. So, on the painted surface, there are pictures and shelves and objects and wallpaper, and decorations and things pinned. The present is represented in the three openings depicted on the surface. When we look beyond the wall we look to the present: to the things that are happening in real time."
The art installation within the Community Room at the centre has recently been transformed into a separate area where local community groups can use the space free of charge making it a vital part of the community. Going forward the centre will be working with the local schools to have the artwork included as part of their curriculum so the pupils can benefit from the art, design and historical elements.
The Community Centre would welcome local residents to pop into the centre to view the painting in person as it is a sensational statement piece of artwork and an asset to Carterton.
Further information regarding artwork by Simon Morriss can be found on his website simonmorriss.com
