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About the artist: Tennessee-based artist Jim Collins (b. 1934) is perhaps best known for his public art, particularly his mixed media figurative sculptures. Commonly using the outline of people and animals made of metal – such as Cor-ten steel or aluminum – his sculptures also frequently use found and repurposed materials, such as hats, furniture and vintage ephemera. Each work contains a narrative element that both references the artist’s inner creative world and offers viewers the opportunity to build their own. Mythology, literature, history and lived experience are at the heart of his creative process and act as a permanent source of inspiration. Collins received his MFA from Ohio University and was officially a professor of art at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Many of his works are found in the southeastern United States and more recently have been installed in Ireland.
Installation view of “Jim Collins: The Last Show” (2023). Courtesy of Ruffner Art Advisory, Chattanooga.
What do you want to know: At 88, Collins is the subject of her final exhibition, “Jim Collins: The Last Showwhich is on view with Ruffner Fine Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The exhibition is made up of a diverse selection of works highlighting the artist’s characteristic style and recurring motifs. Particularly important and purposeful are the examples of sculptures from his ‘Watcher’ series, begun in 1978, featuring the outline of a seated figure. Although the exhibition marks the last of the artist’s exhibitions, it does not mark the end of his professional career, as in the future he will continue to work only on commission. The exhibition with Ruffner Fine Art provides an invaluable opportunity for followers of Collins’ work and newcomers to explore the artist’s diverse practice.
Jim Collins, Upside Down Watcher with Raven (2022). Courtesy of Ruffner Art Advisory, Chattanooga.
Why we love it: Collins’ sculpture exhibits a unique balance of whimsy and sophistication, intelligence and accessibility, which is also found between his public installations and his smaller-scale pieces. The visual experience of his work can be seen as decidedly twofold, as one is able to perceive the work as a whole and its compositional elements, as well as recognize the individual pieces that make up the sculpture – found materials such as stools vintage with the texture and shape of Cor-ten steel. Within his final show, the juxtaposition of works from his “Watcher” series is particularly intriguing; With over four decades of experience producing sculptures for the series, Collins’ skillful assembly and nuanced aesthetic are on display. The exhibition of works is an important opportunity for visitors to explore and discover the work of an inimitable Tennessian artist.
Jim Collins, Mirror Watcher at Pew (2023). Courtesy of Ruffner Fine Art, Chattanooga.
“Jim Collins: The Last Showis on view with Ruffner Art Advisory, Chattanooga.
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