Maria Rivans
The Art of Collage and Surreal Pop Aesthetics
Maria Rivans is a contemporary British artist renowned for her distinctive scrapbook-style collage aesthetic. Her work blends Surrealism with Pop-Art to create imaginative realms that captivate the viewer with vivid colours, striking imagery, and intricate details, all interwoven with a subtle touch of humour.
Artistic Background
Rivans studied 3D design at the University of Brighton before venturing into jewellery design, where she set up her own workshop. Her artistic journey, however, began in childhood, growing up with her Italian family in Essex. Immersed in drawing, doodling, and a rich pop culture environment, Rivans developed a visual vocabulary influenced by the media and cultural icons of her youth.
Influences and Style
Rivans’ work is a vibrant tapestry of influences, including:
Visual Artists: Max Ernst, Frida Kahlo, Robert Rauschenberg, Richard Hamilton, David Hockney, Sarah Lucas, and Tracey Emin.
Cultural Figures: David Bowie, Vivienne Westwood, Alfred Hitchcock, and David Lynch.
Genres and Media: Vintage Hollywood, 1970s sci-fi, B-movies, and TV trash.
Her collages reimagine film plots and narratives, merging elements from different genres to create surreal and dreamlike compositions.
Artistic Approach
Rivans’ collages reflect a fragmented world, but her meticulous attention to beauty and composition aims to piece it back together. Her pin-up series reclaims classic femininity to celebrate female strength, while her exotic works often explore the darker aspects of human nature. Her art also critiques consumerism through 1950s pop-culture imagery and meditative sci-fi themes.
Creative Process
Rivans’ process begins with her extensive collection of vintage ephemera, sourced from old books, magazines, and second-hand finds. She meticulously assembles these fragments into collages, often working for months to perfect each piece. This labor-intensive process results in artworks that are both large-scale originals and limited edition prints.
Exhibitions and Achievements
Rivans has exhibited her work throughout the UK and internationally, including Hong Kong, New York, and Europe. Notable solo shows include the Saatchi Gallery, London, and Galerie Bhak, Seoul. Her work was featured at the Royal Academy 250th Summer Exhibition.
Current Work
Rivans works from her studio in Brighton, a quirky building originally constructed as a cinema in 1911. Her art continues to attract attention for its innovative use of collage and its dialogue with past and present cultural narratives.
Explore Maria Rivans work and discover her imaginative world online at watergate.art
