Bird Of Parsdise

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on April 18, 2016 at 2:16pm

Curator’s Comments:

 

Bird of Paradise appears very different from the other two works you’ve posted on the site in terms of its degree of realism and connection to the natural world.  The more subtle gradation of value creates the illusion of overlapping forms, with curious decorative inclusions- it takes a moment to differentiate the growing vines from the curling design work and star shapes embedded in the space.   The elongation of the vertical picture plane enhances the sensation of growth, or look of a floral arrangement, while the complementary color scheme offers a bold contrast of hue.  I like that the central flower is surrounded by darker shadow, as it creates a dramatic focal element, while leading the eye back up to the right side of the picture.  Small bits of lighter space in the background further provide atmospheric space, and visual rest from the dramatic color and movement.