Simon Collison
'Locations in Progress' - An exhibition about orientation
February 28th - March 3rd 2002

Taking the map as starting point, Simon Collison explores a series of specific locations in England, Wales and Iceland, each image disclosing previously hidden, personal or transient features that describe each location. This exhibition creates an overview of one artist's personal journey through remote landscapes at home and abroad.

Simon Collison is a professional visual artist based in Nottingham, England. He is the founder of the You Are Here visual arts resource (www.whereweare.co.uk), and founder member of the Location artists group.

"Simon Collison's affinity to landscape is deep and extensive. It may not match Turner's observations of storms at sea - whilst tied to the foremast - but then art is not about heroism."
John Fineran, Derby Evening Telegraph, Jan 1998

Not heroism, no. For some time now, Simon has been concentrating on Earth science, primarily geology, earth movement and destructive/creative energy forces. Previously the work he made in the UK was a response to walks and journeys made in our National Parks, particularly the Peak District, Brecon Beacons and the Lakes. As a result of his time spent in the volatile landscape of Iceland, the emphasis has shifted towards a broader picture - that of scientific issues such as plate tectonics, fluidity and latent energy. Environmental issues also filter into the work, man now as significant a geological agent as water.

Collecting and making map works, using satellite data and conclusions have become as important as personal experience. Aside from maps and charts Simon uses photography, painting, bookwork's and installation. He is currently developing three-dimensional maps from light and shadow in an attempt to introduce more movement and fluidity, and realise some of his Glacier drawings. Each piece of work is a disclosure, an attempt to reveal a moment of history, or an individual experience. Often the work is concerned with location, and the work is imbued with a sense of orientation, which in turn forges a strong link with its source.