𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞:

This gallery was created as part of ​#5tezcollection. For this exhibition exclusively, artworks with a floral theme were purchased with a total budget of only 5 xtz.

There have been some public voices against this initiative/competition, against supporting low prices on Tezos and also in favour of boycotting it. While I understand this problem and as an artist I am also in favour of artists being compensated accordingly in order to be able to make a living from their art, I would still like to clarify other points of view that brought me to participate:

1. The artist himself decides on the pricing. We can all demand higher prices, but it simply won't work for everyone, on the contrary. Many artists even live in countries where 1 xtz per edition sold is good money, considering regular sales here of course. They can't just target their pricing at artists living in "wealthier" countries. You do these artists no favours if you boycott their low-priced works / stop buying them.

2. There are many artworks with very many editions and thus small prices per edition. There are free giveways. There are event works with small prizes. There is simply a lot to consider in the price market.

3. Many collectors are also artists themselves and can mostly only collect, if they have sales. There are artists who can't spend let's say 50 xtz or more to be able to participate in competitions like this. With the limit of 5 xtz, almost every artist can be able to take their chance and I'm absolutely for equal opportunities!

4. The fun! Even as an artist, there should be fun in the art. Fun in collecting. Fun in connecting. Fun in the participation itself! You can't stay in one place for long voluntarily if you don't have fun or want to have fun :)

BEAUTY IN DARKNESS

Within the realm of art, the juxtaposition of darkness and beauty often invites contemplation and introspection. Flowers, with their ephemeral nature and inherent fragility, can serve as powerful metaphors for the transitory beauty found in life's darker moments. Through the (actual or simulated) lens of skilled artists, the details of flowers can evoke emotions ranging from melancholy to resilience.

The dark interpretation of flowers with a balance between light and shadow let us appreciate the captivating beauty that can emerge even in the darkest corners of existence. When bright blossoms stand out against dark backgrounds, they create a contrast that intensifies their allure. This interplay invites to question the duality of existence, where even in the depths of darkness, beauty can emerge and captivate.

DESPAIR

While flowers are often celebrated for their beauty, they can also convey a sense of desperation or fragility. Some artists delve into the undercurrents of human emotions and the darker aspects of the human experience. Through art, they explore the balance between strength and vulnerability, using flowers as a symbol of fleeting moments and the inherent fragility of existence. These artworks challenge viewers to confront their own vulnerabilities and contemplate the transient nature of life's joys and sorrows.

Indeed, flowers can evoke a poignant sense of desperation or vulnerability. When depicted in various states of decay, wilted or withered, they symbolise the transient nature of life and the fleetingness of beauty. Such representations prompt us to confront the fragility of existence and the inevitability of loss. In this context, flowers become a powerful metaphor for the delicate balance between life and death.

These two artworks were a collaboration between the two Ukrainian artists Oleg Dovgan & Mavka Lisova and also a collaboration between illustration and AI. They generated unique interpretations of floral forms, pushing the boundaries of traditional representation while putting all their feelings into the floral scene.

HOPE

Even in the depths of darkness, beauty can emerge and captivate. The emergence from seeds buried in darkness represents the triumph of life over adversity. In art, the portrayal of flowers can serve as a beacon of hope, offering solace and inspiration in times of struggle. They remind us that beauty can arise from the most unlikely places, serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

The depiction of flowers as symbols of hope extends beyond mere visual representation. Artists often infuse their artworks with emotional depth, utilizing composition, colour, and texture to convey a sense of optimism. They create visual narratives that evoke emotions of resilience, reminding us that even in the most challenging times, hope can be found if we allow ourselves to see it.

With this curated works I also want the viewer to explore the diverse interpretations of hope. Some artists emphasise the vibrancy and vitality of flowers, using bold and radiant colours to evoke feelings of joy and possibility. Others focus on the tender nature of blossoms, employing soft and ethereal tones to convey a sense of serenity and tranquility. Each artwork is a testament to the enduring power of hope and serves as a gentle reminder that even amidst the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light.

COLOURS

How does the fiery red of a rose or the serene blue of a forget-me-not resonate within you? Do you feel energised by bold and vibrant colours, or do you find solace in softer, muted tones?

Artists meticulously select and blend colours to create harmonious or contrasting compositions, further enhancing the emotional impact of their artworks. The juxtaposition of complementary colours can create dynamic tension, while analogous colours lend a sense of harmony and unity. These intentional colour choices guide the viewers' gaze, evoke specific feelings, and shape the overall atmosphere of the artworks.

Colour plays a vital role in communicating emotions, setting moods, and conveying nuanced meanings. Each hue within a bouquet of flowers carries its own symbolism, adding depth and richness to the artistic interpretations.

Vibrant reds evoke passion and love, while soft pastels bring forth a sense of delicacy and tenderness. The cool tones of blues and purples elicit calmness and tranquility, while sunny yellows radiate warmth and joy. The choice of colour palette becomes an artistic language through which artists converse with their viewers, speaking volumes without uttering a single word.

JUST... BEAUTY

Amidst all the complexities and interpretations, can flowers simply be appreciated for their inherent beauty? Absolutely! In the midst of exploring darkness, hope, desperation, and the myriad interpretations of flowers, it is essential to acknowledge their intrinsic beauty. Sometimes, the most powerful aspect of flowers lies in their ability to captivate and uplift our spirits purely through their visual splendor.

Set aside analytical lenses and immerse yourself in the sheer aesthetic delight that flowers offer. It reminds us that art, at its core, can be a celebration of the simple and profound beauty found in nature.

LINKS TO COLLECTED WORKS

• "Pair" by Avi.PH
• "Flower Powerr #4 - White" by Thomas Orlanth
• "Dream Within a Dream" by artist GreenGloBones
• "despair" by artist GQZ
• "Night" by Oleg Dovgan & Mavka Lisova
• "Sadness" by Oleg Dovgan & Mavka Lisova
• "Flowers for my Friends #2 'Reach for the Sky'" by legal
• "Breath" by an unknown artist
• "Got that fire in our soul, never count us out…" by Elfearsfoxsox
• "flowrds 1" by bleep repeat
• "flowrds 5" by bleep repeat
• "Fairy flower pattern #97" by Chi.L
• "Fairy flower pattern #71" by Chi.L
• "Fairy flower pattern #134" artist Chi.L
• "Flowers #14" by Mucang
• "Flowers #15" by Mucang
• "Hoverfly on flower" by Micael Widell
• "Flower at Kew Gardens" by Micael Widell

Total amount of XTZ spent: 4.99 XTZ