Squatter holds sculpture show

11:24am Friday 16th May 2008

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A squatter has turned an empty building into an art gallery to showcase his work during the festival.

Simon Atkinson's exhibition Bling includes a number of large sculptures, including one which is 9ft tall and took six months to make.

The 37-year-old, who has a fine arts sculpture degree from Central St Martins College of Art and Design in London, moved into the disused Portslade Community Hall in Portland Road, Hove, in February.

He said: "It is impossible for a sculptor to afford anywhere to work.

"I moved into the building to to carry on with my work.

"But then with the festival coming up I realised it was a very suitable place to hold an art exhibition."

Since moving into the building Mr Atkinson has cleared its front yard, painted it inside and out and taken up the carpets.

He said: "I have put lots of work into the building.

"Before I came here it was a real eyesore and neighbours have told me what I have done is fantastic.

"It's a really clean white space inside now."

Mr Atkinson, who lists his inspirations as sculptors Tony Cragg and Richard Deacon, uses industrial fixtures and fittings, wood, metal and plastic to make his pieces. One of his works, which took two months to make, carries a £40,000 price tag.

He said: "I am committed to my work full time and it is a well put together show.

"This is just more of a direct action, rather than waiting for a gallery to allow me to have an exhibition.

"I think as long as it is done responsibly, this is a good way to allow the public to see this kind of art." Although Mr Atkinson has always had an interest in art, he began his career in the Army where he served for five years, fighting in the first Gulf War.

He said: "Several years after leaving the Army I decided to do an A-level in art and it kind of went from there.

"I see my work as kind of reacting to some degree against the wash of conceptualism abundant in modern art.

"A lot of the public have become disillusioned with modern art but I provide people with objects that are just fascinating to look at."

As well as large scale works Mr Atkinson is also interested in public art, such as making individual pieces for people's gardens.

Bling is open every day from noon to 7pm at 353 Portland Road, next to the EDF building.