Silver Siren Song, solo show at The Drang
'Silver Siren Song,' is an exhibition showcasing Maria Rivans' latest original collages alongside an exclusive print. Drawing inspiration from the timeless allure of vintage Hollywood and the captivating mysteries of the ocean, Rivans' collection unveils a fusion of glamour and maritime fantasy.
The seductive power of the silver screen intertwines with the enchanting melodies of the sirens' call. In Greek mythology, sirens beckoned sailors to their doom with their irresistible voices, a motif rich with metaphorical significance. Rivans' work delves into this timeless narrative, exploring themes of temptation, beauty, and the eternal longing for connection to the natural world.
Through the use of intricate imagery, 'Silver Siren Song' invites viewers to immerse themselves in a realm where the boundaries between fiction and reality blur. Experience the allure of the ocean and the magnetic pull of Hollywood's golden age, as Rivans masterfully weaves together threads of longing and desire in each captivating collage.
Rivans herself lives happily by the sea, moving to the seaside town of Brighton to study art in 1983, she has been captivated by the coastline eversince. She finds the sea to be a never-ending source of inspiration, providing a constant connection to nature that feeds and nurtures the soul.
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Kailani
(starring Jean Simmons)
80 x 110cm framed
In Maria Rivans' newest original collage, the spotlight shines on the iconic British actress Jean Simmons, whose illustrious career soared during the 1940s and 1950s. Renowned for her unforgettable performances in classics like "Black Narcissus," "The Robe," and "Spartacus," Simmons captivated audiences with her talent and grace.
‘Kailani,’ is the Polynesian word for ‘sea and sky’, Rivans' collage serves as a vibrant homage to the boundless beauty of the ocean and the coastline. Infused with imagery of ships sailing the open waters, surfing culture, sunbathers basking in the glow, and the enchanting creatures of the deep, ‘Kailani’ transports viewers on a journey of exploration and leisure. Rivans invites us to immerse ourselves in the allure of seaside living and all it offers evoking sensations of wanderlust, relaxation, and the sheer wonder of the marine world.
Morva
(starring Ingrid Bergman)
60 x 80cm framed
Inspired by the rich maritime heritage of the British Seaside, "Morva" plays homage to the ocean. The name itself, drawn from Cornish roots, paying tribute to the sea by delving into the tales of the West Coast, with its storied history of pirates, the infamous Jamaica Inn, and the whispered legends of treasure-laden ships, this piece breathes life into the mysteries of the maritime realm.
At its heart, "Morva" is a tapestry of nautical nostalgia and coastal charm. Anchored by Neptune, the mythical god of the sea, and adorned with echoes of seaside whimsy—the creaking wooden rollercoaster, the steadfast lighthouse, the playful beach balls—each element invites viewers to embark on a voyage of imagination and discovery.
Stepping into the frame is Ingrid Bergman, the Swedish luminary whose illustrious career spanned five decades. Renowned for her timeless performance in "Casablanca" (1942), Bergman lends her ethereal presence to ‘Morva’, adding a touch of cinematic magic to this seascape and emerges as a testament to the enduring romance between land and sea, and the timeless allure of coastal adventures.
Namaka
(starring Linda Darnell)
80 x 110cm framed
Maria Rivans’ latest original collage stars Linda Darnell, an American actress who co-starred with Tyrone Power in adventure films and established a main character career after her role in Forever Amber (1947).
Titled, ‘Namaka’ meaning goddess of water in Polynesian, the piece draws inspiration of the British Seaside and the vast oceans of our planet. It is a timeless ode to the allure and mysteries of the big blue where pearls, aquamarine gemstones, dolphins and lighthouses invite us to contemplate the endless wonders and enduring fascination with the sea and its incredible power.
