For Xanthe Burdett, the line between humanity and the natural world is delicate, adaptable, and constantly evolving. The artist, originally from Devon and now based in London, primarily uses shades of green, layering foliage over subtle human-like forms. Drawing on mythology and ancient beliefs, her artwork proposes that humans and plants are not just connected but fundamentally united.
Starting with a sketch, Burdett uses a Renaissance-era cartoon technique to transfer her drawings to canvas. This method involves placing a material, such as charcoal, between the initial drawing and the canvas, then tracing the outlines. She then incorporates various plants until achieving a vibrant richness.
Burdett views superimposition as a means to “reimagine the body as a site of ecological and mythic transformation,” she explains. “In an era marked by environmental crises—wildfires, biodiversity loss, and climate anxiety—this work serves as both a sanctuary and a platform for envisioning alternative ways of engaging with the more-than-human world.”
Depicted as both “host and terrain,” Burdett’s figures embody growth and renewal as “flesh gives way to nettles, brambles, and tender green shoots,” she notes. Her works often reference mythological figures like Venus, the Roman deity of beauty and fertility, and Janus, the god of transitions and beginnings.
This autumn, Burdett will be at Soho Revue for a residency, where she will develop a series inspired by the Greek myth of Daphne, who transformed into a laurel tree. This exploration is intended to conceptualize change amidst environmental crises. Follow this new series on Instagram.
