Subtext
Contemporary Art Show at Jane Austen's House

_{Image: Yun-xuan Shi, shadow cast,  Jane Austen’s writing desk, Dining Parlour, Jane Austen’s House, Chawton, 2021 (photo A. Gregson)}

Between the dialogue and actions of her protagonists, Jane Austen offers a nuanced critique of society and the current socio-political debates of her day. The artworks in this exhibition expand upon to a range of these themes; a form of dialogue between creative writing and contemporary art. Responding to the site as a home, museum, public space and place of creativity, the sometimes-overlooked Subtext surrounding the life of Jane Austen, her life and ideas, are explored. 

Reflecting upon Jane Austen’s House as a home that incubated ideas and enabled her prolific creative output, the works on show have been made in response to each artist’s interpretation and experience of visiting her home.  

Thirteen artworks will be sited throughout the house among the fascinating artefacts belonging to Jane Austen and her family; in the dining room, bedroom, legacy room, family room, bakehouse, dining room, kitchen and stairwell. Within this intimate space will be drawing, painting, sculpture, print, installation and film, exploring personal fictions, female sexuality and desire, the Museum collection and house, materiality and representations of nature.

These artworks offer new and imaginative interpretations of the objects in the museum and the life and writings of Jane Austen. Through the lens of the present day, the artworks consider material histories relating to this place and its connection to Jane Austen and her work through time. As part of the show a limited edition artist book will be available with 13 individual text works dedicated to Jane Austen.

During the show, there will be a series of artist talks online on Sat 9th April, 4.30-6.30pm GMT and places for this can be booked through Jane Austen’s House website. There will also be opportunities to meet the artists with their work at Jane Austen’s House throughout the show.

The exhibition is curated by Senior Lecturer in Fine Art Andrea Gregson at UCA Farnham.

Exhibition includes works by thirteen of UCA's MA Fine Artists:

• Marina Aoki
• Camila Aguais
• Rups Cregreen
• Bridget Harnett
• Robyn Jacobs
• Julia Keenan
• Betty Lau
• Chelsea-Anne Salter
• Sarah Sellers
• Yun-xuan Shi
• Chea Smart
• Stef Will
• Marble Zhang