Sara Anstis Explores Mythical Realms and Feminine Identity in New Pastel Exhibition

In her latest exhibition Pastels, artist Sara Anstis transports viewers into whimsical worlds filled with dreamlike narratives and cultural references. Currently on display at Olney Gleason in New York City, the show features a series of small-scale pastel drawings that blend mythology, art history, and the everyday lives of women.

A Shift in Palette and Inspiration

Anstis, known for her vibrant earlier works, has transitioned to a more muted, autumnal color scheme that draws heavily from medieval and early Renaissance influences. This evolution is evident in pieces such as The Horse Rider and The Painter, where she channels the stoic expressions reminiscent of 15th-century masters like Fra Angelico. These artworks not only pay homage to historical styles but also spotlight female figures in a traditionally male-dominated narrative.

Thematic Depth and Symbolism

The recurring motif of motherhood and femininity shines throughout the exhibition. Influences from German artist Paula Modersohn-Becker can be seen in the representation of women engaging in diverse roles, from nurturing to artistic creation. Anstis’s piece Three heads in a bed evokes the nursery rhyme "Ten in the Bed," blurring the lines between childhood innocence and adult reflection.

Intimacy and Absurdity in Artistic Expression

Through the delicate medium of pastels, Anstis captures a sense of intimacy that infuses her work with emotional depth. Each scene invites viewers to contemplate the underlying rites of everyday life, revealing a fragment of a larger narrative. Anstis embraces the absurdity of dreams, creating a space where the surreal meets the familiar, as seen in her intriguing compositions like The Milkman and Lachrymatories.

The exhibition Pastels runs until October 24, showcasing Anstis’s unique ability to weave together layers of meaning and emotion through her art.

Source: www.thisiscolossal.com