Reptilian Rosa Kirkja | Kristjana S Williams

Reptilian Rosa Kirkja, a beautiful limited edition print on paper by artist Kristjana S Williams. Part of the Venice Collection.

The story behind the artwork:

Capturing a post-anthrocene world of the imagination, the artwork in the Venice Collection imbues a Dali-esque contemplation of a life where the power of nature is enabled to take hold; colour is heightened, oxygen flows, and the animal kingdom reclaims habitats lost and gains territories discovered, those left bare by the absence of humanity. The impact the lockdowns have had on our environment has been remarkable. Absorb yourself in the paradox of a demi-Utopia, where clear, calm waters dissolve the social and environmental conundrums of society.

Kristjana's love affair with Venice began with a visit in 2010, where the incredible architecture and light found at every corner was only enhanced by the 20th Century art housed at the Peggy Guggenheim. It was 10 years later that Kristjana stumbled upon some 19th Century Venetian stereoscopic prints by photographic pioneer, Carlo Ponti.

An empty chiesa explodes with colour in this post-anthrocene imagining of beautiful Venezia. Unabashed by human threat, a myriad of elusive beasts embroider every crack and crevice of this ancient building, startling in their incongruous inhabitance. A plethora of pythons command the columns, while an over-sized heron peers from the sanctified entrance. Rarity and surprise are commonplace here... the collective presence of normally solitary snakes, enlarged lizards and contented frogs, sitting throne-like on voluminous lily pads. But this is not a formidable scene; these amphibious, reptilian and insect species are evolving as a tribe, the realised space, freedom and safety of this place enables them to thrive and grow. Verdant flora climbs, undeterred by boat or net, from the depths of the canal, to top these colour drenched buildings with a floral flourish.