O angels, you – Cecilia’s Celestial Choir and the High Kick by Evelyn Albrow

In this new body of work for Collect 2026, I continue to explore alternative matriarchal utopias. The past, present and future meet on celestial and earth- bound planes, creating dreamy worlds inhabited by monsters, matrons, saints and goddesses. 

Inspired by contemporary and historical spiritual and secular utopias, from Beguinages (founded in 1200s) to everyday communes like the Maison de Babayagas (set up in 2014 in Paris), this work explores ideas around community, solidarity, and feminism. 

The Calliach, a powerful, ancient Gaelic matriarch,  guides them on journeys across the sea in search of new beginnings and their own terrestrial paradise, where, on the horizon, a Beguinage style community offers them respite within walled gardens. They can avail themselves of large baths, choir stalls, and a well-equipped alchemy workshop to prepare for their insurgency against the male-instigated apocalypse.

O angels, you – Cecilia’s celestial choir and the high kick

This composition is inspired by polychromed limewood medieval carvings, where figures are closely compacted together to create clambering crowds you feel part of. I was looking at 13th Century Italian frescoes, in particular the richly ornamented, ‘Episodes in the Life of St John’ in the crypt of Anagni Cathedral. 

The title harks to Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) musical compositions, ‘Songs for the Celestial Choir’ and the story of St Cecilia, Saint of musicians who was condemned to death in her bath who instead prospers on this pot. I have been part of a regular singing group with friends for the last couple of years and appreciate the communal joy of singing together hence my interest in the symbol of the choir. 

The high kicker is very inspired by Chapel Roan…

Stoneware vessel.

42H x 26W cm

2026