With a focus on iconography and symbolism, McGlynn has created a collection of paintings that depict the life of the Virgin Mary through adapting Giotto’s series of the same subject matter. With contemporary painting influences informing her style and aesthetics, McGlynn’s practice is a synthesis of contemporary abstract oil painting with a series of personal reflections upon the concept of the Cult of the Virgin Mary.
Her works document the epoch of Mary’s Nativity, to her Coronation as Queen of Heaven, incorporating the same subtle symbols Giotto used to allude to her identity. Symbols such as bowls, the colour ultramarine, bread, purple thread and scarlet veils which are peppered in the Master’s depictions of Mary are a staple of McGlynn’s own portrayals of the life of the Virgin. The underpaintings comprise of very literal drawings of these elements, all covered, with only ghosts of those initial illustrations remaining.
The paintings are an unravelling of the symbolism of the motifs that are traditionally used to represent The Virgin. McGlynn has deconstructed and repurposed 14th century themes into things that resonate with her, as an appropriation/appreciation of Giotto’s work.