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ArchiveExhibition

Jane Hope: Echoes of the Mabinogion

11 Feb-15 Apr 2023

Moma Machynlleth
Machynlleth SY20 8AJ

Overview

My paintings are based on stories and images from the Mabinogion.

The Mabinogion is a treasure house of Welsh literature. I became fascinated by it while living in Blaenau Ffestiniog and visiting the wild places in which the stories are set. The stories are about warriors, kings, queens, magicians, shape-changing women, swineherds and giants; their lives are interwoven with the appearance of magical animals, horses, bulls, swine, hounds and stags as well as owls, ravens and hawks.

Animals have a significant role in the story, often leading the human characters into otherworldly encounters and adventures. The animals often function as catalysts for sudden change and unexpected transformation.

Most of my paintings are not literal representations of the stories but aim to convey their mysterious atmosphere and mood. It is this interconnected realm of animals, humans and numinous landscape that keep inspiring me to paint and share that world.