- Stock: In Stock
- Artist: Matt Herring
- Model: 4517
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Heavenly Desire is a powerful and thought-provoking limited edition artwork by acclaimed contemporary artist Matt Herring, celebrated for his captivating fusion of classical beauty, modern symbolism, and bold urban influence. Known for elevating the feminine form through layers of narrative, texture, and iconography, Herring transforms his subjects into striking modern deities-figures who embody both strength and ethereal grace.
In this richly symbolic portrait, a serene female figure becomes the focal point of the composition. Her pose, contemplative and composed, evokes a sense of devotion and introspection. Tattoos adorn her arms and shoulders, serving as emblems of personal identity and empowerment. Draped in a sleek black veil, she appears both mysterious and monumental-her quiet poise revealing an intricate balance between vulnerability and power. Extending from her back, a pair of black wings enhances the dramatic impact, reinforcing the sense of divinity and otherworldly presence.
Behind her, a radiant halo becomes a central motif, referencing traditional religious iconography while reinventing it with a modern twist. Graffiti textures and stylised imperfections disrupt the smoothness of its form, merging sanctity with street culture. Soft tones of cream, white, and charcoal grey surround the figure, while subtle gold flourishes and bursts of vivid pink provide depth, warmth and a daring, contemporary edge. This balance of elegance and rebellion is what defines Herring's compelling visual language.
Printed on aluminium-a medium chosen for its luminous qualities-Heavenly Desire offers a sleek, reflective finish that enhances both the metallic detailing and the rich contrast of the composition. The artwork comes beautifully presented in an ultra-skinny white closed-grain floating frame, refining the piece further while maintaining its modern aesthetic. Measuring 21 x 28 inches (artwork size) and 24 x 31 inches framed, it is a statement piece designed to captivate and elevate any interior environment.
Throughout his career, Matt Herring has used portraiture to explore themes of renewal, spirituality, identity, and freedom. Elements such as wings, halos, tattoos and botanical motifs recur throughout his work, each carrying symbolic weight and hinting at deeper human stories. His layered compositions feel both physical and metaphysical-worlds where the spiritual meets the contemporary and where everyday women are celebrated as modern icons.
With over 25 years of experience and exhibiting credentials that span from independent galleries to iconic cultural institutions, Herring continues to push the boundaries of mixed-media fine art. His innovative approach has earned him international recognition and a devoted collector base drawn to his artistry's emotional and symbolic richness.
Edition Size: 150 - Hand-signed and numbered by the artist
Artwork Size: 21 x 28 inches
Framed Size: 24 x 31 inches
Medium: Limited Edition Print on Aluminium
Includes: Certificate of Authenticity
Frame: Ultra-skinny white closed-grain floating frame
A striking celebration of beauty, spirituality, and modern identity, Heavenly Desire is more than an artwork-it is a visual narrative that invites the viewer to reflect on devotion, individuality, and the sacred energy of femininity. An unforgettable addition to any collection of contemporary portraiture.
Looking for more by Matt Herring? We are delighted to present a curated selection of his limited edition prints and original works. Please feel free to contact us if you would like assistance in finding the perfect addition to your collection.
Matt Herring's sensual female portraiture explores the relationship between the human form and the natural world in a breath-taking blend of antiquity and modernity. Focusing on the inherent beauty of the feminine he ornaments his portraiture with contemporary elements such as tattoos, alongside Victorian botanical and naturalist illustrations and found objects from the natural world. By creating this juxtaposition between past and present and employing avant-garde technique with vintage materials, Matt creates something which is slightly surreal and stylistically unique.
This meeting of ancient and modern is rather beautifully reflected by Matt's choice of studio. While he uses cutting edge equipment and art materials, he works in an old Victorian warehouse space which was one of the world's first photo labs - to us a piece of history, but in its day the height of technological advancement. This is where Matt creates his stunning portraits using collage with mixed media including spray paint and gold leaf, and infusing his work with what he describes as 'a pinch of pop art'.
Having collaborated with magazines including Vogue and Vanity Fair Matt has an insider's understanding of working with models and manipulating images. Having selected the subject, he adapts the appearance of the model by adding tattoos, changing skin tones to black and white, applying halftone texture or changing poses and body positions to fit his composition. His stated intention is to convey the strength and power of his subjects as well as giving his personal interpretation of beauty, balance and harmony - in his stunning artwork these women have the status of modern-day goddesses.
Symbolism is a significant feature in all of Matt's work. Butterflies and snakes, for instance, are present to indicate renewal and rebirth while bees stand for abundance and prosperity, and dragonflies for hope and change. Birds, too, are a powerful recurring presence, as they are of course synonymous with freedom in many cultures and religions. He receives many of his ideas and influences in terms of colour, form and imagery while exploring the natural environment, picking up feathers to include in a collaged image while walking through woodland with his dog, or observing the unique light and colours of the Balearics.
Matt has been an artist for over 25 years. His work is widely collected and has been displayed in venues as diverse as independent galleries, London Underground stations, Bollywood film theatres and the Royal Albert Hall. Commissions have come from the BBC, The National Theatre, and Guy Ritchie's production team, and the Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli owns a huge portrait of himself that Matt created for the British Academy exhibition at the Guardian Newspaper. Of 2,500 Time Out covers published since 1968, one of Matt's, celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, was included in the top 50 and hung in the 50 Years 50 Covers exhibition in the London Brand Museum alongside works from Banksy and Tracey Emin, as well as being featured in the accompanying book.