Two years ago Bermudian artist Kevin Morris moved to Athens, Greece, and it has been approximately four years since his last exhibition, so tonight's opening of his 'Recent Works' in the Bermuda Society of Arts' Edinburgh Gallery is special.

For those who remember his previous work, the first thing viewers will notice about the current art is that it has evolved significantly in the interim.

"It is more figurative in nature, the colours are a lot bolder, the work is more intense and detailed, and there are multicultural references,"Mr. Morris says "I have spent a lot longer on the paintings."

That the artist has been greatly influenced by the repetitive motifs, architectural forms and iconic paintings found in the richness of Greek culture and history is also apparent in his compositions, incorporating as they do a wide variety of elements from many and varied sources.

"Using words, images and colours, along with shape and texture, I slowly and methodically build up a picture's surface, layer upon layer, until I feel there is a pleasing overall balance, and a visually interesting and unified composition," Mr. Morris says.

Looking at the incredible intricacy and wealth of detail in his finished canvases, one wonders how on earth this artist determines his starting point. The answer, he says, is to begin spontaneously with random marks or shapes, and no predetermined direction.

"One reason I like to use acrylic paint is because of its quick drying time, which allows me to continue adding to the canvas randomly."

Mr. Morris likes to include text in many of his paintings — a device which he says is designed "not only to convey a defined meaning which might pinpoint a time, place, or a certain idea, person, event or thought, but also to enhance the visual impact of the composition".

"I like the aesthetic nature of graffiti, with its decorative structure, and to view its artistic elements rather than its meaning as a written word," he says. "There is good graffiti in Athens, and I like the art part of it, so I have been doing faux graffiti — shapes and words with other elements, such as octopus tentacles, going through the words."

In fact, Mr. Morris has developed his own 'trademark' symbols which give his work an identifiable signature.

"I particularly like the image and form of the bird, elephant and octopus, and the fact that they represent the three elements of our planet — sky, earth and water."

Byzantine icons with halos are another element the artists likes, and whose influence can be found in some of his work.

Summing up his new-found expression, Mr. Morris says that when creating art his general goal is to give something to the viewer which they will have to study in depth in order to fully absorb the information presented.

Certainly, his paintings are endless journeys of discovery, which makes for fascinating and compelling viewing, and each one is unique.

'Recent Works' will consist of approximately 60 paintings, many of them small because they had to be transported from Athens to Bermuda. Sizes range from three inches by five inches to eight feet five inches by three feet ten inches.

Tonight's opening reception begins at 5.30 p.m., and the show continues through November 20.