The Bloggs

There has always been a personal, often autobiographical, element to Nicola Jackson's work.  Interested in human anatomy and the intersection between science, psychology and art history, Jackson has often looked to her body, her family and her daily life in her work.  Since the 1970's, when Jackson was studying at the Canterbury School of Fine Arts, her work, in a variety of different ways, has asked what makes us human - not necessarily acting as true scientific models, but rather exploring the visual possibilities presented through particular body parts, functions and behavioural elements.

This anatomical exploration continues in The Bloggs, where the Dunedin-based artist presents an installation referencing her interest in different collecting practices; from the eclectic Wunderkammer to the anatomy museum.  Displayed in cabinets and vitrines or on tables and walls, this collection of works fills the space, surrounding and immersing audiences.  The result is a cabinet of curiosities that explores the relationship between visual culture and the human condition - a meeting point between science and the imagination.

On Mon 19 Feb, Nicola will present a #RampTalk at 4pm followed by a closing party in the gallery.

Nicola Jackson was born in Dunedin in 1960.  Dip FA in Engraving, DipFA Honours in Sculpture and the Ethel Rose Overton Scholarship from Canterbury University.  Recipient of the Rita Angus Artist in Residency, Goethe Institute scholarship and the Frances Hodgkins Fellowship.  Commissions include a new work for the opening of The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with works held in public and private collections.  She continues to work in sculpture and painting and be informed by her graphic sensibility and extensive craft skills.  Her honours year installation An Art Anatomy Room was exhibited in the Christchurch Arts Centre in 1981 and The Bloggs is the continuation of the research and development of ideas with inform her work.

Nicola Jackson: The Bloggs was first shown at Dunedin Public Art Gallery from 18 Mar - 5 Jun, 2017.  Thanks to the Dunedin Public Art Gallery for the text and publication, which is being reproduced for this iteration of The Bloggs.