PARIS.- London artist Morag Myerscough revealed 'A NEW NOW’, a site-specific urban installation located close to the Pompidou Centre in the heart of Paris.

As Myerscough’s first major public response to the current times, the eye-popping sculpture, standing at over eight metres tall, aims to set an intention, to rebuild a ‘new now’ post-Covid. Painted by Morag in her London studio over a three week period, the artwork is a multiple of chaotic geometric shapes, growing up from the ground and rising up to a strong neon statement: ‘A NEW NOW’ laid over a calm graduated sunrise, intended to spark the imagination of passers-by with simple arresting confidence and joyous optimism. Born and bred in London, she is fascinated by how colour, pattern and words can change urban environments and peoples’ perceptions of space and sense of place. Her strong visual language is instantly recognisable, energetic, resonating directly with all those who encounter it – regardless of geography and cultural backgrounds.

While museums and galleries adapt to the pandemic restrictions, public artworks like 'A NEW NOW’ strive to bring a sense of belonging, embracing the opportunity to rebuild a new more optimistic future and shared identity, echoing the artist’s core mantra: ‘make happy those who are near and those who are far will come’.

A NEW NOW is located in a small square close to the Pompidou Centre & Saint-Merry, Paris, France, the installation will remain from October to December 2020.
“I have always felt strongly that we need art in every form to stimulate us and transport us from the everyday – but at this time, it is essential for our wellbeing. I do not believe in the phrase ‘a new normal’, I have always disliked the word ‘normal’.




“For a while we were all on pause……we have had time that we have never had collectively before……to spend reflecting, understanding and rethinking about what is important to us as individuals, families, local communities and the global community. I believe it is impossible to predict the future and we are living in A New Now! We need to find and embrace ways of moving forward here and now. We are in the midst of seismic changes and we must aim to make a better sustainable world.”
Morag Myerscough

A NEW NOW was commissioned by Paris-based 6M3 Collective and is part of the “Embellish Paris” initiative, which was launched with the intention of breathing new life into abandoned, overlooked spaces in the heart the city. The 6M3 concept was to erect a pedestal 6m3 and invite an artist who is new to Parisian passers-by to showcase their work. With her work installed here, close to the Pompidou Centre and the 16th century church ‘Petite Notre Dame’, Myerscough will be the fourth artist to exhibit as part of the programme. Michel Micheau of 6M3 said:

“Morag had the incredible idea of extending this pedestal towards the sky and covering it completely, like an urban reliquary. It surprises everyone. Nobody is indifferent. The young people finally find something joyful in the public space, and so do the older members of the church next door, even though it is a historical building. The work will be seen by 5,000 – 8,000 people a day, as it is located on one of the oldest streets in Paris, the rue Saint-Martin, which is also very close to the great centre of contemporary art.”

Artist Morag Myerscough creates installations and immersive spatial artworks that transform places and champion community and public interaction.

Morag Myerscough was born and bred in London, the city where she still lives. Fascinated by how colour pattern and words can change urban environments and perceptions, she has transformed public spaces around the world, creating engaging experiences for everyone – from schools and hospitals to cultural hubs and town centres.

Myerscough creates specific local responses to each distinct audience, often working with community groups to develop ideas that reflect the identity of the users, drawing on shared cultural history and heritage of the local area.

Previous commissions include prestigious organisations and galleries such as: the Brighton Festival; British Council; Design Museum; Just Kids; and the South Bank Centre. Her work has been installed worldwide, from the UK TO Europe (Lisbon, Madrid and Stockholm), and further afield to Cape Town, Shanghai, Melbourne, Mexico City and Las Vegas.