The Sower and the Lovers 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.

The Sower and the Lovers 

The main image of a woman sowing sunflower seeds was inspired by a medieval stained glass panel from Canterbury Cathedral of The Sower. She plants happily in a walled garden with friends and lovers. Others rest or work, one woman wears chopines to keep from getting her feet muddy whilst harvesting beans, the sun shines hopefully on. 

Stoneware vessel.

2026

46H x 31W cm