STRIKING artworks depicting homeless people are depicted in a fascinating exhibition to be showcased at nine locations across the town.

Professional artist Simon Yorke, 42, has created the vivid works for the exhibition, entitled 'Nomads - invisible neighbours' which launched on Sunday, January 24.

The moving images feature homeless people, in front of a dark background with the subjects' piercing blue eyes creating a striking contrast.

The aim of the exhibition is to explore humanity through visual art to help deepen spiritual understanding and raise awareness about homelessness and poverty and raise money for charities who support the causes.

Among the paintings is one of a Big Issue seller from St Helens which Simon has added to feature in the exhibition.

"They are all of Big issue sellers," explains Simon, who is chairman of the Independents Liverpool Biennial and has had work exhibited in Liverpool, London and Paris.

"I aim to paint every single homeless person I see, I started 10 years ago when I went to London for a post-graduate degree and there were homeless people outside the Tate Modern.

"It was the juxtaposition of the people on the streets and the paintings worth millions inside, I thought which was worth more, a human life or a painting?

"I wanted to show these paintings of people who are invisible to normal society and it puts them on the map."

Venues which works can be viewed at include St Helens Parish Church, Holy Cross Church, St Mary's market, the town hall, Central Library, St Helens College and the foyer of Asda on Kirkland Street.

Artworks are also going on tour around schools in the area with one ending up in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

"I picked those colours because I wanted a gritty edge to contrast with the blue eyes because most people when they walk past a homeless person try not to make eye contact with them.

"I wanted to paint the colour in the eyes so hopefully when people look at a homeless person next time they make eye contact. Sometimes you don't need to give money but just say hello. That was the idea."

A period of three weeks

The exhibition launched on Sunday, January 24 ahead of Homeless Sunday and Poverty Action Week from Monday 25 to Sunday, January 31. It will run for three weeks with the works then to go on display at the World of Glass until Easter.