MARY JANE ANSELL
“Love’s
Mary Jane Ansell “Love’s Bright Armour”
September 12 - 29, 2024
Arcadia Contemporary proudly presents “Love’s Bright Armour,” the third, solo exhibition by renowned British painter Mary Jane Ansell. Opening on Thursday, September 12th, this new collection delves into themes of resilience, protection, and female strength. Through her meticulous attention to detail and layered symbolism, Ansell explores how emotion serves as both a shield and a source of empowerment in life’s challenges.
Inspired by a deeply personal experience of loss, the works in the exhibition reflect on the fragility of human connection and its enduring power. The title work, “Love’s Bright Armour I,” depicts a couple standing together amidst chaos, symbolizing the protective strength relationships provide. In addition, this collection of paintings draws parallels between romantic bonds and the inner fortitude they offer in times of hardship
A highlight of the exhibition is Ansell’s “Lover’s Eyes” series, inspired by the 17th and 18th-century tradition of exchanging miniature portraits of lover’s eyes as intimate tokens. These symbolic works present a romantic, yet slightly dark exploration of affection, secrecy, and connection.
Ansell says “I’ve always been fascinated by storytelling and symbolism, and this exhibition allowed me to delve deeper into the idea of protection and empowerment. The concept of ‘Love’s Bright Armour” resonated with me after reading Sarah Winman’s ‘Still Life,’ which celebrates connection in all its forms. This show reflects on how these bonds shield us from chaos and provide strength in difficult times.”
The exhibition will feature 18 new paintings, including a large-scale work inspired by “Alice in Wonderland” and intimate portraits from the Lovers’ Eyes series. Together, these pieces offer a profound visual journey through strength, vulnerability, and the female experience, drawing on both mythological and historical references throughout.
Mary Jane Ansell’s “Love’s Bright Armour” will be on view at Arcadia Gallery from September 12-29, 2024. An opening reception will be held on Thursday September 12th, from 6-8 PM, and is open to the public.
32 x 40 in
Alice Oil on Aluminum
Eye of The Storm Oil on Aluminum
30 x 20 in
Sentinel Oil on Aluminum
27.5 x 19.75 in
Bright Armour I Oil on Aluminum
20.5 x 20.5 in
Love’s
Winter’s Vigil Oil on Aluminum
23.75 x 16.5 in
20.5 x 20.5 in
The Huntress Oil on Aluminum
Bright Armour III Oil on Aluminum
19.75 x 15.75 in
Love’s
Bright Armour II Oil on Aluminum
19.75 x 15.75 in
Love’s
Artemis Oil on Linen 17 x 17 in
15 x 15 in
Galleon II Oil on Aluminum
15 x 15 in
Galleon I Oil on Aluminum
Oil on Aluminum
14 x 14 in
Tempest
Guardian Oil on Aluminum
12 x 12 in
The Lover’s Eye IV Oil on Aluminum
12 x 12 in
The Lover’s Eye III Oil on Aluminum
12 x 12 in
The Lover’s Eye II Oil on Aluminum
12 x 12 in
The Lover’s Eye I Oil on Aluminum
12 x 12 in
27 x 18 in
Reminiscence Oil on Aluminum
26 x 26 in
Pomona (The Cage) Oil on Aluminum
