Jane Ostler: Finding the Hand of Kindness

‘Finding The Hand of Kindness’ is inspired by Jane’s own life, reflecting on her roles as a caregiver, the impact of patriarchal expectations, and the everyday moments of kindness. Through her art, Jane invites us to see how creativity can be a source of comfort and connection.

She says: “It is easy to edit all the difficulties and want to forget them. But being stuck and trying to work through them is what I do.”

Featuring over 20 artworks, discover whimsical landscapes of both East Anglia and of the sea, playful scenes of animals, human figures, and geometric shapes. Ostler’s work explores popular culture references like Disney, personal histories, expectations of social conformity for women and gender roles through history – from local oyster pickers to models of contemporary domestic settings of the American Dream and in television.

Making things bigger or smaller, layering and bringing together several images and objects, Ostler often creates deeper, more complex images inviting you to find your own interpretations and meanings – or perhaps none at all.

Based in Colchester, Jane Ostler, works across painting, drawing, printmaking, and collage. Her art delves into the interplay between creativity and autobiography, highlighting how personal histories and subjective experiences shape art. Ostler also incorporates diverse materials, including medical objects, to comment on significant moments in our collective history, such as the pandemic.

Alongside Ostler’s exhibition, you’ll find the works of Leonora Carrington (from Sat 26 Oct). Both artists’ shows reveal a fascinating connection, exploring how their artistic careers were shaped and sometimes impacted in different ways by caregiving responsibilities and the challenges of gender bias.