Dextearity

The Eastern Star Gallery is proud to present Dextearity, an exhibition of work by Los Angeles-based artist Brighid Burnes. This installation highlights the results of challenge, play, and discovery, with each piece reflecting Burnes’s process of embracing gesture and the joy in artmaking.

Initially intimidated by oil painting, Burnes associated the medium with mastery and questioned whether her figures—often described as “cartoonish”—were worthy of the medium. Through this body of work, she moved past initial doubts, focusing on the present moment and playing as part of her practice. Dextearity marks a shift from perfectionism towards renewed confidence, persistence, and creative freedom. In the artist's own words, the pieces represent “the obstacles I have overcome and lessons I have learned about art making.” 

The central theme of Dextearity is expression of the hands. Burnes, who has long used her hands to communicate due to minor speech struggles, foregrounds the expressive power of gesticulation. Through her work, Burnes reminds us of the essential role of hands in shaping culture, holding memory, and creating meaning—echoed in everyday expressions like “lending a hand” or “handle with care”. Her work highlights the significance of hands in human expression, reminding us of their vital role in both connection and daily life. By focusing on hands and extremities, she highlights the importance of gesture in an era when technology is increasingly shaping communication.

Dextearity opens at the Eastern Star Gallery on October 1st and runs through October 24th. Please join us for the opening celebration on October 1st at 12:15 pm, where we will gather with the artist to honor this powerful exploration of dexterity, presence, and discovery.

You can view more of Brighid Burnes’ work at www.brighidburnes.com