AN artist is preparing to display her interesting work during a thought-provoking exhibition about transcendence in Harwich.

Larain Briggs is a second-year postgraduate student working on her doctorate in fine art at the University of East London.

She will show of her creations during an exhibition at the Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre from February, 1 to February, 29.

The event will see Room 9  transformed into a "labyrinth of mirrors" inspired by numerous contemporary and old philosophers. 

"Labyrinth is all about reflection and personal growth and is also a symbol of transcendence," said Larain. 

“Transcendence is a path like a labyrinth."

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Spiritual - An acrylic painting on canvas by Larain called ApotheosisSpiritual - An acrylic painting on canvas by Larain called Apotheosis (Image: Larain Briggs)
Philosopher Carl Yung was a major inspiration for the project, particularly his theory of "individuation" - the process of accomplishing individual wholeness.

Larain says Greek myths were the expression of Yungian archetypes, including the myth of the minotaur and the Labyrinth.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Beauty - A three-dimensional structure by Larain called As above, So BelowBeauty - A three-dimensional structure by Larain called As above, So Below (Image: Larain Briggs)

Therefore, a labyrinth which may seem just like a scary or confusing maze, can actually represent the journey of a hero – in this case Theseus – which then represents the journey of self-discovery everyone can make.

Through engaging in art, Larain also believes people can discover who they are and go beyond themselves, feeling as part of the community or the natural world.

Throughout Larain’s exhibition there is also various reflected surfaces which act as a symbol for self-discovery, allowing us to change assumptions of what we think we look or behave like.

The relationship between art, individual and society is also explored in the exhibition, which Larain says is “desperately needed” in today’s society where there has been a “meaning crisis”.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Talented - Larain Briggs Talented - Larain Briggs (Image: Larain Briggs)

Whether through thinking or looking, Larain hopes the exhibition will create personal meaning for guests - an “everlasting” goal of transcendence.

There will be an opening event with free refreshments at 1 to 3pm on February, 3 and the exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday until February, 29.

Artists Jamie Limond and Dawn Hesketh-Joslin will also be in residency in February.