Xanthe Burdett, a Devon-born artist based in London, weaves a verdant web of myth and nature in her delicate portraiture. Her work blurs the lines between human and plant, suggesting an interconnected existence.
Burdett's process, which begins with a sketch, involves layering greens and vines to create a dense, almost mythic landscape that reimagines the body as a site of ecological and mythic transformation. Her pieces often feature figures that morph into flora, such as Venus and Janus, embodying growth and regeneration.
In the fall, she will explore the Greek tale of Daphne at Soho Revue, aiming to conceptualize transformation amidst climate catastrophe. This series delves into the idea that perhaps our connection to nature is more than just skin deep.
By merging Renaissance techniques with contemporary concerns, Burdett's art offers a sanctuary and a space for imagining alternative ways of coexisting with the more-than-human world. Her work serves as both a refuge and a reminder of the ecological and mythic transformations that lie ahead.
