Into the Night - Jim Thalassoudis
The master of sunsets is probably a term I would reserve for mother nature, but Jim’s paintings would come a close second.
I am not usually a “painted sunset” person but at last nights opening at Charles Nodrum Gallery I was converted! and Hallelujah to that… Jims technical mastery is highly honed after many solo shows and a bio that shows a solid foundation has been formed by the Adelaide artist.
Jim is kept very busy painting to live, or is that living to paint? The fact that Jim has shows in others states awaiting his oil paint encrusted palette skills next year, bear witness to this, so it’s back to the studio after his short sojourn in Melbourne to get cracking on more art.
The scale of his works hit me first followed by his ability to strongly convey a romantic notion of “going home” after a long day out. The works could well be photo’s to the uninitiated but I figure they go beyond the realistic to give the viewer more. One work in particular “moonrise” offers a Hopperesque feel to the colours and view.
The stand out for me (being a clouds and sky person) is “A Fine Day Tomorrow 2″ oil on linen 150 x 300, a sweeping seascape with brilliant orange tipped clouds lulling us off into some twilight zone apparition. The scale the ability it has to hold people transfixed, yep this does it for me.
Another stand out (and the art gallery of South Australia agrees as they bought it…) is Love Art, reminiscent of the super-realists subject matter (Post Pop - Pop) this heart shaped neon sign set amongst a fading sunset is something special, so much so that Jim outlines it’s evolution in his blog http://jimthalassoudis.blogspot.com/ it’s well worth a look.
The main works (scale wise) range from$4,500 - $27,000 while smaller “jewel like” images went from $1,000 - $2,400 but be quick the show is heading for sell out status fast.
The Gallery is at 267 Church St Richmond Vic. the show is on from Sept 17 - Oct 11 2008.
Stay tuned for an interview (hopefully) a little later with the sunset king…
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4 Responses to “Into the Night - Jim Thalassoudis”
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How sad that he is not exhibiting in his home town. I am too poor to fly to Melbourne, although I wish I could.
Thanks Stefan,
Yeah it is a pity maybe sometime soon.
Hi Steve
Your critique was an interesting read. It’s always nice to hear about shows/openings from another artist’s perspective.
In my opinion, you are lucky to have seen the show IRL. Jim def is a master of his chosen skill and subject matter. It is no wonder that you were ‘converted’ but then again, these works are not like most ’sunset’ images.
I look forward to reading about other show’s you see.
Cheers
Brett
Nice review Steve. I was at the opening too and also intend to write a review when I get some free time. Moonrise was my favorite and apparently the favorite for many others with Charles Nodrum saying he could have sold it many times over.