Revisit Brain Tumour Book - Artist Leah Jensen’s Journey Through Cancer Diagnosis to Treatment: Curated by Cavaliero Finn

Through intricate embroidered stitch-work and layered imagery, Leah transformed her vulnerability into visual poetry, offering visitors to the exhibition a window into her process of fear, resilience, acceptance, and hope. 

 

Here are some of the pages from Leah's Brain Tumour Book as featured in the exhibition.

 

Over the past year, while researching this project, we've been struck by a stark reality: brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer in the UK, yet it receives just 3% of national cancer research funding.

 

It is for this reason that we are raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity for this show and any future tours of the exhibition. The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into the disease. Their work spans pioneering research, awareness of symptoms, and critical support for those affected.

 

As part of the Brain Tumour Book Leah also developed a series of quilts and an embroidered pillow both of which were made especially for the exhibition. 

 

Also on show were three of Leah's intricately hand carved porcelain vessels, for which she has received wide acclaim. These three pots; the mystery pot, a large carved vessel that she had no memory of making, the last pot Leah made before her brain surgery and the first pot she made after her brain surgery, play their very own important part in Leah's story.

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Undergoing intensive treatments to the brain can result in a range of strange symptoms, including memory loss. Although it is certain that the mystery pot was made by Leah, she has no recollection of making it, or even where it was made. She was unable to find any evidence of the making process that is usually well documented. Alongside Leah's signature at the base is the clue 'St. Catherine', even so she is unable to identify which painting was used to inform the carving.

 

To this day she does not remember, she believes this is the best pot she is ever made.

 

The Last Pot was built and carved in 2020 as Leah waited for a craniotomy to remove her brain tumour. This procedure held a risk of paralysis, while carving she wondered if this would be the last pot she would ever make.

It remains forever unfinished as she ran out of time before the operation date arrived. The pot stayed unfired for the three years she spent in treatment and recovery and during this time it was carefully transported through two house moves. Areas of the carving were damaged by the moving and damp conditions of the flats in which Leah lived.​ When she was able to move back into a studio, finally it was fired. She did not imagine that it would survive due to all the upheaval, but it did with the damage preserved.​

 

The First Pot Leah made after her cancer treatment, felt and still feels for her like a monumental achievement. The recovery after treatment and trying to get her life back on track was the hardest part for Leah. She had to come to terms with the challenges of having a brain injury and fatigue, and dealing with the emotional turmoil she found herself in with memory loss and intense confusion.

 

On seeing this exhibition, many visitors left in absolute awe of this incredible artist's bravery, perseverance and skill.

 

Here are some of the visitors comments after seeing the show.

John Williams - curator V&A
"Don't miss: Extraordinary work by ceramicist Leah Jensen responding to her brain tumour diagnosis and treatment through the powerful medium of stitching (and a wonderful short film). Have not seen an exhibition quite like it."

 

Tabish Khan - London art critic
"One of the most moving exhibitions I've seen of work by Leah Jensen with Cavaliero Finn at Fitzrovia Chapel. The exhibition features artwork that chronicles the artist's journey through her recent brain tumour diagnosis and treatment, and it's an emotional ride that brought tears to my eyes."

 

 

 

 

 

Cavaliero Finn produced a film for the exhibition that recounts Leah's experiences throughout her diagnosis and treatment. The film was made in conjunction with Leah and Elastic Pie Films  which was also on show at the exhibition.  You can watch this incredibly moving film online now, simply scroll down or click the video link in the header of this exhibition page.  We are immensely grateful to Elastic Pie Films and to Leah for making this film, it truly is a work of art.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read about this exhibition, we understand that times are tough for a lot of people so if you can't donate you can still help to support this project by sharing this exhibition page or the crowdfunder link above, it all helps.