Simon Morris
Simon Morris’ paintings take time. What may appear as an arbitrary journeying line is the outcome of a directed sequence. Morris sets up a framework intentionally restricting the scale, proportion and colour palette within which different formula direct the pattern making process. This can include the length of the passage of paint in any one direction, when to pause and change the form through alternating thickness or direction and when to stop.
The artist explores how a pre-determined action, once initiated, can determine the making of a painting distinct from aesthetics. The dominant connection in Morris’ painting is with the real—specifically with time and space. All of his work is made in relationship to the spatial qualities of the ground (or surface) they are painted on. While previous wall drawings
and paintings have been made in response to architectural space, here the focus is on the relationship between the two paintings. Both encompass a passing of time and involve a line moving in one direction, but they differ crucially: in Blue line here to there 2 hours 30 minutes the line weaves its way from left to right and stops, while in Blue line there and back 2 hours 24 minutes the line returns to its point of departure. The titles include the time it took for the artist to paint the work, which directly references the physical act of making a painting.
Heather Galbraith
Simon Morris artist bio:
Born in Hamilton, New Zealand in 1963
Lives and works in Wellington.
Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Canterbury; Master of Fine Arts, RMIT, Melbourne
Selected solo exhibitions include: 'Simon Morris: Coloured Time Drawing and a Pause', Lesley Kreisler Gallery, New Plymouth (2006); 'Simon Morris: Painting Project 2000-2005', The Physics Room, Christchurch (2005); 'Sit Talk Look Write', Litmus Research Project, Massey University, Wellington (2005); 'Three Orange Lines', SHOW, Wellington (2004).
Selected group exhibitions include: 'Satellites', Vanguard Gallery, Shanghai, China (2006); 'SNO 12', Sydney (2005); 'Transmission', 64zero3 Gallery, Christchurch (2005); 'Minimal approach...concrete tendencies', Tin Shed Gallery, University of Sydney, Sydney (2005); 'Constructed Colour 4', Artspace, Sydney (2004).
Image credits:
Installation view of 'Telecom Prospect 2007' featuring:
Simon Morris
Blue line here to there 2 hours 30 minutes. 2007
acrylic on linen
Courtesy of the artist and Roger Williams Contemporary, Auckland
Blue line there and back 2 hours 24 minutes. 2007
acrylic on linen
Courtesy of the artist and Roger Williams Contemporary, Auckland
Detail ofBlue line there and back 2 hours 24 minutes. 2007
acrylic on linen
Courtesy of the artist and Roger Williams Contemporary, Auckland