A young Essex artist has unveiled her first major commission at Launchpad – in a celebration of creativity, innovation and local talent attended by civic leaders from Southend and Rochford.
Fine Art graduate Hannah Carley Wilkins, 23, revealed her striking installation Terminal Tomorrow at a special event held at the Airport Business Park on Friday afternoon.
The unveiling was attended by The Worshipful the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, Councillor Nigel Folkard, and the Mayoress, Mrs Marion Folkard, alongside the Chairman of Rochford District Council, Councillor Jo McPherson.
Hannah said:
“It’s been an amazing experience.
“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 toward each other in a gesture of collaboration. From the other, it transforms into the image of an aircraft evolving toward 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, said:
“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.
For more information about the artwork, visit www.launchpadsouthend.co.uk/more-about-terminal-tomorrow.