Artists have been creating still life paintings for centuries. In fact, it’s one of the oldest genres in the history of art. At first glance, the still life may appear uncomplicated. Its components – flowers, plants, domestic articles, and foodstuffs – are familiar with everyday life. So what is it about these arrangements that continue to inspire and challenge artists?
In celebration of Art in Bloom 2017, Nature Rearranged takes a closer look at the flower power fueling the last century of Canadian and European art. Alongside still-life paintings is a selection of exquisite table objects from the WAG’s renowned collection of English porcelain that offers an equally compelling story of the lasting beauty of the flower in the decorative arts.
The still-life painting is demanding but it rewards its viewer with each encounter. There is no single reference point to compare one composition to another because the still life comes into being only when the artist creates it, making it unique as a genre. The still life’s existence is based not on events, actions, or personalities, but on a process of looking at the contents of life around us. The act of gathering, composing, and dismantling in art has persisted for centuries. What has changed is how we interpret this process.
WAG-Qaumajuq is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm. To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit.
