John Pastoriza Piñol

Iris x germanica_Lost Love 2024
watercolour on Arches 300gsm
Courtesy of the artist and Scott Livesey Galleries, Melbourne

Artist statement:

The floral lexicon of the Victorian era was a method of cryptological communication through the strategic use of flowers. The symbolic significance of the Iris represented themes of lost love as their blooms quickly fade. The work presents a unique aesthetic that prompts contemplation on the transient essence of life, as the Iris flower is obscured by a ubiquitous QR barcode, which became an emblematic feature of the COVID 19 period. Similar to the symbolic significance of Victorian-era flowers, the meaning of the QR code will eventually diminish as time passes.

While my artistic practice is grounded in botanical art, I aim to challenge traditional representations and tropes. This painting goes beyond a simple depiction of a flower, exploring ambiguity in form and intent. It communicates a complex and sober narrative influenced by the intricate connection between sight and thought.