Anna Matyus | Rievaulx Abbey I, 2021

63.5 x 65 cm

Edition of 30

Anna Matyus’ work explores the powerful spiritual resonance of historical sacred buildings and their setting in the landscape. She combines the representational imagery of soaring monumental structures of ancient abbeys and churches with the intricate and complex patterns and rhythms of their decorative features. A distant ancestor of Walter Espec, the 12th century founder of Kirkham and Rievaulx Abbeys, she has a deep sense of connection with her subject matter. She is inspired by St Aelred of Rievaulx Abbey who wrote “Everywhere peace, everywhere serenity, and a marvellous freedom from the tumult of the world.” Using etching and collagraph printmaking techniques and a colourful palette, Anna seeks to bring to life the powerful geometry of the often faded motifs and time-worn patterns and symbols of historic artefacts found in the masonry and ancient tiles of these sacred sites. The final prints explore and record the dynamic rhythms of three-dimensional architectural form, layered with their decorative and symbolic adornment in a graphic expression of awe and wonder.