Man of many colours Stepping inside Simon Marchment’s home reveals a world of vivid portraits, landscapes, rock ‘n’ roll vinyl and art books galore. Simon has lived in a Housing Choices property for 25 years, and he has made it his own. He has a storage room where his canvases and artwork are stacked high. Working primarily in acrylics and favouring a bold colour palette, Simon has won many prizes and credits over the years for his vibrant, expressionist works that focus on portraiture - often of famous people, and local buildings and landmarks that inspire him around Perth and Fremantle where his art group DADAA (Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts, Australia) is based. DADAA provides mentoring and studio space for people living with disability. Simon has been part of the group
Left: Simon
pastel portrait resembling the work of famous Italian artist Modigliani, rests on an easel: “I did this during the COVID lockdown… I couldn’t go to DADAA for a week - it was hard…but this cheered me up…It’s called Gypsy Bambino.” It is evident that Modigliani - an early 1900’s expressionist artist - is a big influence on Simon. Above his bed hang five reproductions of the original artist’s work, “I have loved Modigliani…since I was five. My parents had a huge Modigliani painting in the hallway.” Born in Melbourne, Simon’s parents moved to Perth in 1973 to pursue a teaching opportunity. Simon’s mother, Kavita, also an artist, acts as his “agent” with his work attracting many admirers and selling all around Australia. “Simon has always drawn and painted through his life since he was little, I could see that he was talented,” said Kavita. Simon’s other favourite past times are delving into art history books, for artistic inspiration, listening to his 70s vinyl music collection and composing songs on his acoustic guitar.
Above: Simon’s Modigliani inspired pastel portrait.
for the past 30 years. “Painting at home was
messy - in the courtyard it would go everywhere…I do all my painting at DADAA now, it’s good. At home I draw or use pastels.” Simon points to the courtyard where a striking
Above: Simon’s storage room stacked high with his creative works.
5
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator