The art of shopping (From Echo)

The art of shopping

11:27am Wednesday 3rd May 2006 in Search By Charlotte Potter

Even men will mysteriously want to go shopping when they find out what's happening at the Eastgate Shopping Centre.

Vacant units at the centre don't lay empty for long, especially if the town's artists have anything to do with it.

They have turned one of the empty stores into a gallery to show off their own work and pieces from the collections of both Basildon Arts Trust and the Eastgate Centre itself.

Shoppers looking for some light relief from queuing at tills and hauling round shopping bags can feast their eyes on valuable works by the likes of Sir Terry Frost and Victor Vasarely.

"Never before have we been able to show such a range of paintings and sculptures under one roof to the people of Basildon"

Peter Patterson

Pictures by these and more well known artists are permanently on display at the Basildon Centre, where the pictures rotate regularly, but this exhibition at the Eastgate Centre is the biggest of its kind to be assembled in the town.

Hanging next to the acquisitions of Basildon Arts Trust are paintings by artists from Basildon and the surrounding area, the floor also plays host to some impressive sculptures.

Peter Patterson, trustee of Basildon Arts Trust, says: "This is a unique opportunity to promote art in Basildon through a fantastic local collection and talented, enthusiastic artists.

"Never before have we been able to show such a range of paintings and sculptures under one roof to the people of Basildon. We are very excited at this prospect and are raring to go."

The exhibition is located next door to HMV on the Lower Mall level. It is open daily until the end of May.

Meet the artists:

Mike Harrington

Mike has a selection of landscapes and portraits on show at the exhibition.

Living in Langdon Hills he has magnificent views just a short distance away thanks to Langdon Hills Country Park and these form the inspiration for two pictures in his display.

Members of his family have kindly acted as models for the portraits he is showing, these include two pictures of his granddaughter Louise and one of his granddad.

"I tend to only do my family because I like to get to know my subjects," says Mike.

Mike is very active when it comes to promoting art in Basildon and is at the forefront of START, Supporting Art, an organisation which backs community art projects in Basildon.

This display goes some way towards Mike's wish to have a permanent exhibition space somewhere in Basildon.

"For years I've been involved in anything to do with art in Basildon and which is to do with the public. I personally want a gallery in Basildon," says Mike.

"I think that people from outside of Basildon think Basildon is a cultural desert, it's not, the artists have to work elsewhere because there's nowhere for them. I'd love to see art in Basildon."

Dean Smith

Bringing some star quality to the exhibition is Dean, with his pictures of well known celebrities such as pop icon Elvis and footballer Bobby Moore.

Dean, from Basildon, says: "I've always been interested in portraits, there's something about faces that I find really interesting and I suppose that the way we are today and the culture we have is very much based on the celebrity and I like to capture that iconic celebrity status in an interesting way using cardboard and texture and work it into the image."

In Dean's latest project he is using the visitor's to the exhibition.

He's inviting them to sign a canvass as they leave which once finished will reveal a picture of Frank Sinatra.

"I've got the basic materials but then it becomes a piece of public art work, it's very much an art work that the people of Basildon have got a sense of ownership to - I'm a kind of overseer," adds Dean.

Talking about the exhibition space itself Dean says: "It's fantastic, we couldn't be better situated, it looks like a London gallery and in general the response from people in Basildon has been overwhelming."

Aden Hynes

As a commercial sculpture, Aden spends most of his time creating pieces for film and TV so the works he is showing at the exhibition are much more personal.

"I'm privileged really that they've asked me to be in this, it's nice that they thought of me to fill the floor space - I'm honoured really and I'm proud of Basildon," says Aden.

"I think it's nice to show something in the Eastgate Centre apart from the Basildon Centre because it's certain people who will come to Basildon Centre but for people shopping who come to the exhibition at the Eastgate Centre it's almost like a time out, it gives them a breather."

Aden, who works in fibreglass and concrete render, has been a sculpture for 25 years and lives in Basildon.

Where are they now

The Eastgate Shopping Centre needs your help in uncovering the history to a series of painting in its own collection.

The contemporary pictures were presented to Eastgate's general manager Hans Wustefeld eight years ago by students at the former Basildon College.

He says: "These are fascinating examples of the abundance of artistic talent that exists in Basildon. Everyone who sees them comments on their originality and quality.

"When they were painted, these artists were the aspiring David Hockneys of the future, so we would like to know more about the artists and what they are doing now."

Visit the exhibition and see if you can help identify the painting's creators.