Robots, robins, foxes, pizzas and unicorns all make appearances in an exhibition of new work from acclaimed young artist Jimmy Duggan, which is on at Jabberwocky, Duke Street  in Douglas for three weeks from today, Friday 14 March.

Jimmy’s work for ‘Outside In’ was inspired by video games, cartoons and toys, and by watching his four year old nephew Lewis – otherwise known as ‘the Pickle’.

“Watching the Pickle paint so instinctively was the spark for this new body of work,” says Jimmy.  “My last exhibition (‘Colouring In’ at the Sayle Gallery in 2012) took over two years to create and I felt quite drained by it.  Then, when I was looking after Pickle late last year,  I could see how much he was enjoying painting a reindeer  and his joy reminded me that painting, modelling, creating is - above all - fun.”

The paintings and sculptures in ‘Outside In’ are deceptively simple:  reminiscent of illustrations in children’s picture books, and often painted on old cardboard boxes and wooden panels.  The work is often humorous and surreal, and you can see from the finished work that Jimmy was capturing his thoughts quickly, without over-thinking or re-thinking.

“I like to think of it as ‘acoustic’ art – stripped back to the basics – rather than some of my earlier, multi-layered, if you like, ‘electric’ work,” says Jimmy.  “I’ve had a lot of fun with the work in this exhibition and I want others to enjoy it too.  If it brings a smile to your face, and maybe inspires you to pick up a brush or pencil, then I’ll be happy.”

‘Outside in’ is at Jabberwocky, Douglas for three weeks from 14th March.