Maria Rivans

British contemporary artist, Maria Rivans, currently resides in Brighton where she dedicates her time to crafting unique collage works that embody classic vintage imagery, mixed with exuberant  elements of the past and present. Through creating these works, Maria has achieved a mesmerising style of surrealism that captures a dreamworld of myth and reality. 

Her background includes time at the University of Brighton where she studied 3D Design, and then jewellery design. However, Maria soon discovered that her true passion lay in film and pop culture, as she delighted in vintage Hollywood movies and their stars, imaginative 1970’s Sci-Fi, and daytime TV. This interest comes from her love of story and mythology, with most of her works being inspired by legends or a certain theme in need of creative expression.

In sourcing her materials, Maria ventures to various used-book shops and market places in search of retro magazines and books that contain a plethora of inspiring imagery that may hold elements of her next muse. Through months of careful planning, cutting, pasting, and layering, the artist pieces together a dreamy narrative that both captures and mesmerises its viewer. Through Maria’s sheer attention to detail and mastery of colour and composition, she is able to convey hidden meanings within her work that focus on life’s big questions, from societal issues to the universe, all with a meditative grace and harmony. 

Maria currently works from her studio in Brighton’s North Laines. She has exhibited in various locations throughout the UK and internationally, including Hong Kong, New York, and Europe. Notable exhibitions include the Saatchi Gallery, Galerie Bhak in Seoul, and art fairs in London and Milan. Maria has also recently published two books, ‘Extraordinary Things to Cut Out’, and ‘Four Seasons’, as well as having her work featured in a variety of publications and commissions including The Times, the Affordable Art Fair, and Nordea Banking.