Leading offshore law firm, Mourant, is set to bring a splash of international colour to Jersey this summer for Durrell’s Go Wild Gorillas island-wide public art trail.
To reflect the firm’s global perspective, Mourant has selected a vibrant Chinese inspired design for the firm’s life-sized gorilla, created by up-and-coming artist Jessica Perrin.
Mourant was the first business to sign-up to sponsoring a gorilla in this creative and unique community initiative for the island. As a further investment, the firm is also partnering with Samares School to design a young gorilla as part of the Durrell project.
Mourant Jersey Managing Partner, Daniel Birtwistle, said: “We’re really excited to be working with Jessica in this new community project and having the opportunity to connect an emerging artist with a local school so that the children can get involved in decorating their very own gorilla sculpture.
“As a firm we have a global outlook and several offices in key international finance centres, including Hong Kong. We were taken by Jessica’s striking, imaginative design that beautifully captures a piece of Asian culture and brings it into our environment here in Jersey.”
The 26-year-old artist is no newcomer to Wild in Art projects; this design will be Jessica’s twelfth art trail sculpture depicting Chinese methodology. Jessica, who admits she has the art trail bug, is looking forward to transferring her design from paper to the gorilla sculpture when she visits Jersey in a couple of weeks.
She commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Mourant has selected me to design their Go Wild Gorilla and to bring a piece of an international inspired art to the island. I’ve painted a variety of animals for city projects in the UK, but am really pleased to be supporting Durrell in their 60th year and creating an eye catching design for the much loved gorilla.”
The Go Wild Gorillas art trail is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to discover art, explore Jersey’s beautiful surroundings and enjoy time together.
Dan Birtwistle added: “As a large employer, we recognise the real importance of focusing on our people’s wellbeing and promoting a healthy lifestyle.”
“This vibrant art trail is a great way to encourage people of all ages to reconnect with nature and get outdoors while also supporting Durrell as they fundraise for a new gorilla house at Jersey Zoo.”
Jessica’s gorilla design will be one of forty life size fiberglass gorilla sculptures that will be on display around Jersey from 27 July – 14 October 2019. Artist designs will be revealed at a launch event in July.
