Maria Maneos

This collection of oil paintings embodies the profound and multifaceted concept of “Hiraeth,” a Welsh term that evokes a deep sense of longing or nostalgia for a home or era that one might never have experienced or that might never have existed at all. This term transcends mere homesickness to encompass a broader, more existential yearning for return to a place deeply ingrained in one’s soul—whether real or imagined, lost, or never found. It speaks to a universal human condition, a yearning for a sense of belonging, connection, and peace that often remains elusive.

The landscapes and nature scenes depicted in this painting series serve as metaphors for this intangible place of comfort and belonging. Each brushstroke and color choice is not just an artistic decision but a manifestation of this deep-seated longing, a visual representation of the spaces and places that, while they may not exist in the physical world, are vividly alive in the realm of emotions and memory. These sceneries, though loosely depicted, are imbued with a sense of personal significance and emotional resonance, suggesting an irrational yet undeniable bond between the artist’s well-being and sense of place in life.

The concept of Hiraeth challenges the viewer to reflect on their own experiences of longing, nostalgia, and the search for a place that feels like home in the deepest sense. Through the paintings, I invite viewers into a personal journey of reflection and exploration—a journey toward understanding the landscapes of their own hearts and the uncharted territories of their desires and regrets. This work acts as a mirror, reflecting the complex emotions tied to our notions of home and belonging, and the landscapes become sacred spaces for contemplation and emotional exploration.

In essence, this collection is not just an artistic endeavor but a profound exploration of the human condition, inviting engagement with the universal quest for a place where one feels a sense of belonging and peace. The landscapes serve as both the subject and the medium through which the ineffable feeling of Hiraeth is communicated, bridging the gap between the tangible world and the landscapes of the soul.