ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sara Anstis Debuts 'Pastels' at Olney Gleason, Blending Renaissance and Medieval References

exhibition · 2026-09-11

Sara Anstis's exhibition titled 'Pastels' is currently on display at Olney Gleason in New York City until October 24. This collection showcases small pastel drawings inspired by mythology, dreams, and art history, transitioning into softer, autumnal hues. Notable pieces include 'The Horse Rider,' reminiscent of 15th-century art, and 'The Painter,' which portrays women admiring a female artist. An ermine motif references da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine,' while maternal themes are influenced by Paula Modersohn-Becker's 1906 artwork. Additional works featured are 'The Milkman' and 'Lachrymatories.' The gallery emphasizes the intimate quality of the pastels and Anstis's exploration of absurdity and dreamlike themes. Her work can also be found on Instagram.

Key facts

  • Sara Anstis's solo exhibition 'Pastels' is on view at Olney Gleason in New York City through October 24.
  • The show features small-scale pastel drawings that incorporate mythology, dreams, and art historical references.
  • Anstis's palette has shifted to muted, autumnal tones over the past couple of years, contrasting with earlier vibrant, neon-like hues.
  • She has recently looked to medieval and early Renaissance art, including works by Fra Angelico and Hans Memling.
  • Specific works include 'The Horse Rider,' 'The Painter,' 'Three heads in a bed,' 'The Milkman,' and 'Lachrymatories.'
  • Maternal themes are influenced by Paula Modersohn-Becker's 1906 painting 'Self-Portrait at 6th Wedding Anniversary.'
  • The gallery states that pastels provide 'an intimate sense of touch that charges her scenes with introspective intensity.'
  • Anstis's Instagram is mentioned for more information.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Olney Gleason
  • Colossal

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States
  • Greece
  • Rome
  • New York
  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources