Little Brother and Little Sister: What If, As If, and If Only

This exhibition explores the shifting nature of sibling relationships and memory through paintings and short animations inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ fairytale Little Brother and Little Sister. The work reflects Jane's own experiences with family, time, and the evolving dynamics of growing up.

The figures in the paintings symbolise the fluidity of family life - growth, loss, and the interplay of memory with the present. The landscapes, drawn from her daily walks, mirror how memories of siblings and children transform over time. Each painting represents a moment rather than a chronological sequence, capturing the "here and now" outside of ordered time.

In the Grimm tale, two siblings flee into the forest, where one is magically transformed into a deer. They live in an empty house until a prince discovers them. Jane interprets the story as an exploration of care, transformation, hardship, loyalty, memory, and the passage of time. Her own version of the story blurs the line between magic and memory, leaving the ending open to interpretation.

The paintings and animations are not traditional illustrations but stand-alone moments that exist in their own time and place. Jane has set the story in the Hertfordshire countryside of the late 1700s, inspired by her own family history, local landscapes, and daily walks. Each piece informs the others, creating a constantly evolving narrative.

This work invites viewers to engage with the story in a personal way, bringing their own interpretations to the characters and moments. While the Brothers Grimm’s version of the tale has a distinct conclusion, Jane prefers to leave the ending open, allowing for a broader, more fluid interpretation of the narrative.

By reimagining this folk tale, Jane seeks to capture the fleeting experience of "now," while acknowledging that the past and future are constantly shifting. Stories help us make sense of our lives, offering a framework for understanding our place in the world.