Bellingen artist Jim Hood says exhibition is his ‘swansong’ Coffs Coast Coffs Coast - popup ad by News Of The Area - Modern Media - January 17, 2025 ‘Darwin Chimp” by Jim Hood. THE “Art of Parts” is the final exhibition from Bellingen artist Jim Hood. It will be showing in the Studio of the Nexus Gallery in Bellingen from 19 January to 14 February. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “Unfortunately, this will be my final exhibition due to health complications,” he told News Of The Area. “I have to downsize my lifestyle, so will no longer be creating the larger objects made from resin or plaster as well as my multimedia assemblages.” After an early career in architectural model-making, which included models of the Sydney Opera House windows, Jim secured a job as a model maker and sculptor at the Australian Museum in Sydney, making models of various creatures – great and small. “This is where I learnt the art of moulding and casting, which I subsequently used in many of my works.” Jim’s retirement to Bellingen provided him with time to pursue his own creative whims and share his tips and techniques through workshops. “I have very much enjoyed my association with Bellingen’s Nexus Gallery over the last 22 years and will miss the many friends I have made there. “It is such an amazing place to visit and in which to exhibit.” This swansong exhibition includes captivating creations that lure the viewer in for closer inspection, and thought-provoking pieces. Describing “The Cabinet of Curiosities”, a work in the exhibition, Jim said, “it inhabits an old box and is filled with moulded and cast antiquities which sit on layers of various vintage papers.” The miniature books are all individually made by the artist. Also showing is “The Darwin Chimp”, a resin replica cast from an original 20th century bronze. Jim’s attention to detail and ability to enchant makes the pieces things to pause and ponder over. Every item in the artwork “Assemblage 2” for instance has been moulded and cast in resin. “I like to make my replicas as realistic as possible so as to make them indistinguishable from the originals,” he said. The exhibition opening will be at noon on Sunday, 19 January, in the Nexus Gallery. “I will be there and would love to chat with anyone who is interested in my work.” By Andrea FERRARI Jim Hood’s ‘Assemblage 2’. ‘The Bridge’ by Jim Hood Jim Hood’s ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’. Bellingen artist Jim Hood presents his final exhibition.
