Life-sized animal skeletons are taking over the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) as part of the Anatomy Lessons exhibition by artist Michele Beevors.
Anatomy Lessons, features meticulously sculpted life-sized animal skeletons painstakingly measured, drawn and sculpted from steel, wire and foam and then knitted over in a fine art softening of the subject beneath.
Seventeen years in the making, the creation of the pieces has been a long process: from measuring bones in museum basement collections, to sculpting and articulating skeletons, to the slow, meditative act of knitting.
Some of the sculptures include a giraffe that stretches 4.4m in height to an army of over 50 delicate frogs.
“The Anatomy Lessons exhibition is the artist’s silent, soft protest at the violence we are inflicting on the planet,” Dubbo Regional Council Curator, Kent Buchanan said.
“The exhibition is unique and suitable for people of all ages. We have had lots of families coming through the exhibition since it opened recently, and they are all amazed and in awe of the artist’s work and attention to detail.”
Throughout the summer school holidays the WPCC will be hosting drop-in activities for families as part of the Anatomy Lessons exhibition.
“The drop-in activities provide families with a variety of picture books to read, and they can try their hand at finger knitting. These sessions are free and available when the Western Plains Cultural Centre is open, no bookings are required,” Mr Buchanan said.
Anatomy Lessons by Michele Beevors is on exhibition at the WPCC until 2 March 2025. This is a free exhibition.
The WPCC and Creo Café will be open from 28 – 30 December and then again from 2 January throughout the summer school holidays. For more information visit www.wpccdubbo.org.