Report by Phien O’Phien.
Photos by Britney Spanish
Thanet-based artist Laura Foote’s exhibition at the Carl Freedman Gallery in Margate, curated by Tracey Emin DBE, is a deeply personal and poignant exploration of her long-term battle with Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness that has shaped her life and art.
The debilitating nature of this incurable condition forced Laura to endure extended periods of bedrest from a young age. Managing the illness required potent medications aimed at alleviating the severity of her attacks and flare-ups, though the side effects further compounded her challenges.
The isolation caused by her prolonged confinement and the effects of the medication are profoundly reflected in her artwork. Dreamlike figures and scenes drift ghostlike across her canvases, evoking half-remembered memories of family gatherings and the long, solitary hours spent gazing out of her bedroom window as the world passed by.
One painting, for example, depicts a family Sunday dinner. Plates are set for all but one diner—the Crohn’s sufferer. This omission poignantly underscores the harsh reality of the illness, where solid food is often unmanageable, and liquid diets become a necessity.
Laura has been creating art since childhood. Though she modestly considers herself a novice, her work exhibits remarkable depth and emotional resonance. Her paintings vividly convey the pain, loss, and profound loneliness brought on by her illness.
It was through a Facebook post that Tracey Emin first discovered Laura’s art. The two shared common experiences—both as artists, residents of Thanet, and individuals who had faced the challenges of living with stoma bags. Intrigued, Tracey reached out to Laura, initiating a series of meetings during which she viewed Laura’s extensive body of work. Recognizing its significance, Tracey arranged for Laura to showcase her art at the prestigious Carl Freedman Gallery.
At a gallery talk hosted by Tracey, Laura announced an exciting milestone: her work will soon be exhibited in America.
Tracey’s expertise in curating and installation is evident in the way the exhibition unfolds. By arranging Laura’s paintings in a thoughtful chronological sequence, she has skilfully brought cohesion to the collection, allowing viewers to follow the artist’s journey.
This exhibition is a compelling and deeply moving experience—well worth a visit.
The exhibition can be viewed at the Carl Freedman Gallery in Margate until 6th February.
