Mythology

Xanthe Kittson

For the Grad show, I would like to present two projects I have been working on. The first, is a recent photographic series I worked on during my final year. This work was inspired by Joan of Arc, a Visionary who guided the French army to victory during the battle of Orléans.

The second, is an ongoing series I have been working on over the course of a few years. For this photographic series, I have been studying mythology, and I have been creating images inspired by various gods/goddesses/creatures, found in mythological texts, and stories. 

To view more of my artwork and learn about each character, please click on the images below!

-Xanthe Kittson

Joan of Arc

Photography

2021

In the early 1400s, Joan of Arc was a visionary who was being guided by the voices of religious saints. During this time, the crown of France was in dispute between the French and the English, and they were close to battle- because of her visions, Joan wanted to be captain of the French army. Despite being a peasant woman, and only 16 years old, Joan of Arc led the French army to victory during the war of Orléans.

Greek Mythology

Photography

2020-2021

This is an ongoing series inspired by various characters from Greek Mythological texts.

These images are portraits of gods and goddesses found in Greek Mythology. In these images, I have collaborated with models, hair stylists, makeup artists, and costume designers to create these artworks.

My inspiration for these portraits are mainly being drawn from religious paintings, renaissance paintings, and baroque artwork. Specifically the work of Caravaggio, who uses dramatic lighting in his work and intense emotions. 

Selene

2021

In Greek Mythology, Selene is the goddess of the moon, and the moon’s personification. She is the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and she is the sister of Helios (Sun) and Eos (Dawn).

Self Portrait

.

.

.

.

.

.

Artemis and Orion

2021

Artemis and Orion were both hunters and through their mutual love of hunting, became close friends. Artemis’ brother Apollo did not approve of their friendship and wanted their friendship and potential love destroyed. One day, Apollo and Artemis were by the sea shore, and Apollo saw Orion swimming in the distance. He then dares Artemis to prove her hunting abilities and shoot the speck out at sea. She does, and Orion’s lifeless body floats onto the shore. Heartbroken, Artemis puts his body in the skies amongst the stars. 

Sarah McInnes and Kyle Wipp

.

.

.

Xanthe

2021

Depicted is Xanthe, the okeanis of Nephele of the yellowed clouds of dawn and dusk

Abby Pfortmueller

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Ares

2021

Although Ares was necessary for success in war, he was very destructive, and slaughtered many. In Greek mythology, he is usually ridiculed, and humiliated in various myths.

James Davies

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Hades

2020

In Greek mythology, Hades is the god of the dead and the king of the underworld. When hades and his brothers (Zeus and Poseidon) defeated their father and claimed ruler ship over the cosmos, Hades was given the underworld, Zeus the sky, and Poseidon the sea.

Chhina Amarpreet

.

.

.

.

.

The Muses

2020

In Greek mythology, the muses are goddesses of the arts, sciences, and literature. These nine goddesses were created to give inspiration, art, knowledge, and music to the world. Depicted, are 3 of the 9 muses. On the left, we have Urania- muse of astronomy. In the centre, Terpsichore- muse of dance and chorus. 

Gaia Icious, Maria Opal, and Kiana Sadres

.

.

.

.

.

Dionysus

2021

One of my favourite characters in Greek mythology, Dionysus is the Greek god of wine, festivity, drunkenness, and chaos. This piece is inspired by Caravaggio’s oil painting titled Young Sick Bacchus (the Roman equivalent of his name) painted in 1593

Sebastian Tirlui 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

In collaboration with:

Lee Coulombe – Hair Styling

Isabelle Fallu – Makeup

Emma Nilsson – Makeup

April Peters of House Gallery Boutique – Costuming

Carolyn Bruce – Jewellery and prop design

Ruby Jones of Gemme Cosmetics – Vegan lipgloss products

Xanthe Kittson

I'm seeking opportunities
Contact Me
Xanthe Kittson (pronounced like Zanth) is a portrait photographer and artist based in Vancouver, BC. Using mainly digital photography as her chosen medium, Xanthe aims to create ethereal portraits and artworks that are heavily inspired by Mythology, fairytales, and folklore. Additionally, many of her photographic works draw inspiration from classical paintings.
Profile image of Xanthe Kittson