A Rare Cancer with Bettie Jacques

A Rare Cancer is a tribute to the bond between my grandmother and uncle during a time of deep grief. This painting captures a quiet domestic moment. My grandma sits beside her son, watching over him after receiving the news that his cancer was terminal. Her expression is filled with love and sorrow.

The gestural brushstrokes of the blanket and sheets are intentionally rough, echoing her inner turmoil. I used earthy browns to create a reflective atmosphere, while yellow in the blanket introduces a feeling of unease and a visual sign of illness.

Small details tell parts of the story: the half-closed shutters, the rumpled linen, the silence of the room. The crutches stand tall between them, a stark line symbolising both the weight of the illness and the distance that it has begun to place between mother and son.

Through this work, I wanted to honour my grandmother’s strength and the enduring love she holds. It’s a portrait not just of two people, but of what connects them even in the face of heartbreak.