An epic piece painted at a solemn time by the artist as part of the Swindon Paint Fest 2025 at the Wyvern theatre.

From the artists IG:

This year for @swindonpaintfest I was invited to create a mural for the @wyverntheatreon a 50 meter wall , naturally they asked for a Wyvern.

Traditionally a Wyvern is a two-legged dragon from Western heraldry which is the older pro-type for the 4 legged dragon which emerged later.

In European mythology, dragons are symbols of chaos and destruction that are usually cast as evil monsters to be conquered and slain by a righteous hero.
The origin of dragon myths in Europe is linked to the prevalence of large snakes thought to prey on livestock or children of rural villages.
Some scholars even argue that these exaggerated fears of serpents perhaps represented deeper fears manifesting as allegories of masculine threat. They can be seen as Symbols of patriarchal anxieties fearing them as a phallic symbol of the enemy, a “beast” to be conquered.

In much of Asia, however, dragons are revered as wise, benevolent spirits that bring fortune, and cosmic balance. They are not villains, but guardians that often help the hero in their quest.

I was asked to paint a European dragon however, I wanted to subvert that narrative.
Rather than painting a snarling, demonic monster, I reimagined my Wyvern as a feminine goddess a graceful and dignified being. She has a floral crown and birds rather than that of a bat. I wanted her to appear serene and regal more akin to a Renaissance Madonna than a beast.

When thinking of what pose I should paint her, the ‘George and the dragon’ myth came to my mind … but the idea of having a man destroying a mythical creature didn’t sit right with me.
In my painting, the wyvern is the victor, she has resisted the attacks from these heros and sits triumphant, elegant and wise.

The composition blends romantic medievalism and surrealism. Largely Inspired by European tapestries and folk wood cuts. , I wanted it to feel both regal and ominous, like the creature has just defeated knights who tried to slay it.

Swindon Paint Fest 2025

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