Tattoo artist finally gets a solo exhibition

A piece from Morks: Enter the Void. Photo: Oxford Gallery

After more than 25 years working in the tattoo industry, Canterbury artist Morks is having his first solo exhibition.

The Kirwee artist’s exhibition Morks: Enter The Void ripples with traces of his traditional tattoo work but he has also found inspiration for it from fatherhood, family, friends and his love of nature.

The late Philip Trusttum, who died on March 4, has also influenced Morks’ work for the new exhibition which is on at the Oxford Gallery toi o Waimakariri, 72 Main St, until May 31.

During the last few years, after the two men had many talks about rugby and art, Morks became friends with Philip, who was one of New Zealand's best artists and was also a highly respected and much valued patron and trustee of Oxford Gallery toi o Waimakariri.

Philip also became Morks’ mentor and adviser, sharing many hours of knowledge with him.

Sean Simpson, known as Morks, with MP Matt Doocey at the Oxford Gallery. Morks uses his art to raise awareness for mental health. Photo: Matt Doocey

His influence is clear in Morks’ recent work. In recognition of the support he received from Philip Morks is planning to paint the Oxford Gallery frontage as a tribute to his friend during the duration of his exhibition this month.

Morks strives to create elements of mystery in his artwork and he wants people who see it to feel happy, intrigued, and inspired.

He has recently shown his work at the Ivy Box, a contemporary art gallery in Queenstown, Limn Gallery in Auckland, as well as Fiksate Gallery and Flare Art Co-op, both in Christchurch. He also played a lead role in the SHIFT: Urban Art Takeover exhibition in 2023 to raise funds for the redevelopment of the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch.