A young south Essex artist has unveiled her first major commission at Launchpad as part of a celebration of creativity and innovation.
Fine art graduate Hannah Carley Wilkins, 23, revealed her installation, Terminal Tomorrow, at a special event held at the Airport Business Park.
The unveiling was attended by the mayor of Southend, councillor Nigel Folkard, and the mayoress, Mrs Marion Folkard, as well as the Chairman of Rochford Council, councillor Jo McPherson.
Hannah said: "It’s been an amazing experience.
Hannah Carley Wilkins revealed her installation at the Airport Business Park (Image: Matt Crew)
"When I first read the brief, I was really drawn to the idea of creating something that would change as you move – something that makes people stop and think about perspective.
"For me, Terminal Tomorrow is about progress, collaboration, and how we can work together to build something better for the future."
Guests gathered in the Launchpad atrium for the reveal, which showcased the large-scale Agamograph – a kinetic artwork that reveals two distinct images depending on the viewer’s angle.
From one side, the piece depicts two hands – one human, one robotic – reaching towards each other in a gesture of collaboration.
The mayor of Southend, councillor Nigel Folkard, was among the attendees (Image: Matt Crew)
From the other, it transforms into the image of an aircraft evolving towards a more sustainable future.
The artwork was commissioned by Launchpad earlier this year as part of a £5,000 competition to support emerging artists and celebrate the organisation’s core values of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.
Laura Johnson, centre manager at Launchpad, added: "Hannah’s proposal stood out from the very beginning.
"It captures the energy of what Launchpad represents – bringing people and ideas together to build something greater than the sum of its parts."
The event drew Hannah’s family and friends, members of the Launchpad community, and artists together to celebrate the installation and the creative spirit behind it.
Following the official unveiling, guests had the opportunity to meet the artist and hear more about her inspiration and process.
Terminal Tomorrow will remain on permanent display in the Launchpad atrium, where visitors can view it during opening hours.
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