Eternal Iris (2020) Painting by Nancy Fruchtman (Taya)

In Spring, 2020, while the population stayed at home to avoid the Corona pandemic, outside the cycle of renewed life was in full force. The Sea of Galilee was full, the tides of the Mediterranean were free from human debris and nature was bursting with energy. To commemorate that Spring, the artist created a tryptic, like a window to the world outside of man’s isolation; nature is celebrating and people are not invited..

The iris seem to undulant. “Eternal Iris” hints at erotic energy, but this picture of vigorous, luxuriant blossoms is notable in its absence of human presence. The only human form is an inanimate statue, a green version of a Chinese terracotta warrior. It appears inert, overshadowed and outsized by the apparent ‘life’ of the iris.

Inspired by the elegant curves of Georgia O’Keefe’s giant erotic iris paintings and by the explosive energy of Anita Nowinska’s flowers, “Eternal Iris” blends eroticism with movement. But unlike the work of these artists, it doesn’t employ large-scale effects or contrasts in color. The composition flows in waves – inward, outward and from side to side. In addition, each panel is a separate picture with its own composition.
“Encaustic” technique is instrumental in creating effects of depth and motion across the tryptic. Made from melting pigments in beeswax and dammar, Encaustic paint can produce three-dimensionality using translucent layers as well as poured, carved or embossed bas-relief. This three-dimensionality enhances the illusion that some of the flowers appear to be bursting forth or receding into the clouds. The shiny surface reflects light in different ways, at times changing the colors and apparent depth of the bas-relief.

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FloralUndulatingSoldierIrisSensuous