Hove Plinth comes to Kellie Miller Arts in Brighton

Today we hand over to Kellie Miller to tell us about the Hove Plinth Sculpture Competition finalists exhibiting in her gallery...

I am proud to be showcasing the models of the three finalists for the Hove Plinth Sculpture Competition 2015 in my gallery from 22nd December to 4th January.  Please drop in and see the maquettes of the three winning entries.

Hove Plinth is a Hove Civic Society initiative bought to life by Karin Janzon. The project recently won The Argus Star Award for capturing the imagination of people in Brighton and Hove. To find out more about the project go to: www.hovecivic.org.uk/shaping-future/public-sculpture/hove-plinth-our-vision

Hove will always hold a special place in my heart having lived there for many years. I was a founding member of Hove Arts, a group of artists opening their houses and studios to the public each year. And it was in Hove that I established Biscuit Studio, an artist workspace, over 20 years ago. So imagine my delight when asked to help to select the three finalists for the Hove Plinth Sculpture Competition. Being on the panel was an honour and allowed me to draw upon my critiquing and curatorship skills.

The selection day was spent meeting and viewing the works of the shortlisted artists resulting in the three following finalists:

Matthew James Davies’ piece, entitled ‘Escape’, is a fluid, amorphous sculpture cast in blue resin aiming to mirror the organic movements of nature; the sea breeze, gliding birds and rolling waves.

Matthew Davies 'Escape'

Pierre Diamantopoulo’s piece, called ‘Flight of the Langoustine’, was inspired by a discarded and mangled lobster pot found while beachcombing, which was first created in his studio under the King’s Road arches in Brighton.

Pierre Diamantopoulo 'Flight of the Langoustine'

Jonathan Wright’s work, entitled ‘Constellation’, is part mechanical model of the solar system, part film camera and part ship’s compass. The most popular landscapes and iconic images associated with Hove will orbit the system rather than planets.

Jonathan Wright: Constellation

For me all finalists represent the gallery's ethos of art that shows the hand of the creator.

Now, having selected the finalist, acquired planning and raised a substantial amount to help bring the project to fruition, it still requires support. I will be asking you to pledge your donations to aid the appeal during the showcase. I believe that, with cultural initiatives like this, we can make Brighton and Hove THE place to visit.


Kellie Miller Arts
20 Market Street
The Lanes
Brighton
www.kelliemillerarts.com