Kristjana S Williams, Taera Bretland - Blaeu British Isles, 2021

Kristjana S Williams

Taera Bretland - Blaeu British Isles, 2021

Giclée on Matt Smooth Fine Art Cotton 300 gsm paper

Boldly signed and dated on the lower right front and pencil numbered on the lower left front by the artist

18 × 25 inches

Unframed

Hand signed and numbered 95/275

Story behind the artwork:
A celebration of life on the British Isles, ‘Taera Bretland’ translates as ‘Clear Britain’, the islands of Great Britain here sitting in a crystal clear sea. This stunning map based artwork reveals fascinating details in every corner, but not necessarily where you might expect them…

An aqua glow from the surrounding ocean lifts the land closer, whispering of its treasured secrets and cherished achievements. Here, the snaking Thames weaves its way not just through the capital, but across the whole country, connecting counties and unifying these Great British Isles, feeding colour popping flora and fauna along its path. Iconic and beloved landmarks rise like beacons, marking the steady flow of irrepressible revolution and impressive invention. In the spotlight, Murdoch’s ill-fated Titanic, Wren’s triumphant St Paul’s and Davy’s revolutionary lamp, rubbing noses with literary pioneers Dickens, Austen and Golding, and British icons Churchill and Chaplin. A bejewelled Ostrich, former resident at the Tower, stands haughtily atop the Truman Brewery; a regal stag, dapper in thimble hat and coiled suit of measuring tape, heads towards Saville Row’s Golden Mile; the subtropical splendour of Tresco Abbey has left its island home to perch in the Scottish Isles and The White Chapel Gallery, sits proudly, testament to Britain’s ‘New Generation’ post war art. A teasing glimpse of the continent affirms Great Britain's close ties with its European neighbours; an early Breeches Buoy rescue device symbolises unity in the face of threat and danger.

About Kristjana S. Williams:
Icelandic born artist Kristjana S Williams studied graphic design and illustration at Central St Martins, and quickly gained critical acclaim as Creative Director of 'Beyond the Valley', a position she held for eight years. In 2011 she began creating fine art pieces as well as illustrating books and designing interior items. Her designs are inspired by nature, and her technique involves digitally and physically layering nature upon nature to mirror the symmetry that exists in all living things. Each piece is its own magical universe of exotic botanicals and vibrant animals.

Described by the New York Times as part of the ‘new antiquarian movement’, Kristjana’s three dimensional original work, Limited Edition prints and interior products feature Victorian engravings, which the artist has blended with verdant and exotic flora and fauna to stunning effect. Animals and insects are intertwined with lavish foliage, layered over ancient shipping maps and antique photographs. Fantastical new creatures are born, and what Kristjana calls ‘wishful forests’. These alluringly immersive two and three dimensional tableaus have won Kristjana many international awards including the Pentawards, D&D in book, a Clio Award and first prize in the New York Festivals Grand Prix.

Kristjana’s unique aesthetic, which is both mythical and modern, has led to collaborations with heritage brands such as Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Browns Hotel and Penhaligon's as well as the iconic contemporary marques such as Paul Smith, Victoria & Albert Museum and London’s Shard.

Kristjana lives and works in West London.