Featuring Becky Atherton, Marion Bayliss, Serah Stringer and Tiago Da Cruz

Originating in Anglo-Saxon literature, aglaeca is a complex term most closely associated with the epic poem Beowulf. Often translated as “warrior”, “monster” or “extraordinary being”, it embodies the tension between fear, awe and transformation.

Aglaeca brings together four artists whose practices draw on mythology, folklore and the natural world. Through painting, installation and mixed media, the exhibition explores ancient narratives alongside contemporary questions of identity, ritual and our relationship with the landscapes we inhabit. Together, the works invite viewers to consider the wonder, mystery and unease that continue to shape our understanding of nature and ourselves.

Becky Atherton

Born in Lancashire, Becky Atherton developed her independent artistic practice after 25 years as a community artist. She completed an MA in Fine Art at the University of Central Lancashire in 2021 and has since exhibited regionally, nationally and internationally.

Atherton’s work explores herstory, female mythology, fairytales and folklore. For Aglaeca, she presents paintings centred on Lydia Bradbury, a fictional character seeking to move beyond a materialistic existence and reconnect with the natural world as part of its rhythms rather than simply an observer.

Marion Bayliss

Originally from Somerset and now based in Lancashire, Marion Bayliss joined Southport Contemporary Artists after relocating in 2022. Her work is inspired by ancient mythologies, particularly the gods, goddesses and belief systems that shaped early cultures.

For Aglaeca, Bayliss explores the symbolic relationships between deities, animals and the four classical elements, reflecting on how these myths helped people understand and connect with the natural world.

Serah Stringer

Serah Stringer is a multidisciplinary installation artist whose practice centres on collecting found objects and organic materials to create immersive, sensory environments.

Inspired by the shores of the Mersey, her installation reflects on spells, superstitions and the rituals we turn to in times of uncertainty. The work considers distance, longing and the unseen acts of hope and faith that connect us to one another and the landscapes we inhabit.

Tiago Da Cruz

Born in Portugal, but currently residing in Southport, the artist presents an amalgamation of personal experiences, cultural influences and explorations of detachment in his practice.