Inspired by the ethereal nature of women, Emma Grzonkowski fuses reality with fantasy for her stunning new collection, Eden . In between swirls of colour and flowers – both succulent and poisonous – blooms a sense of serenity unseen in the figurative painter’s previous collections. “I am in a much brighter place than I have been with previous works,” Emma reveals. “Whilst in the past I have centred on overcoming trauma, these female figures exude a sense of happiness and peace. They have a godly and untouchable essence, existing within an idealistic world.” The body of work takes its title from the Garden of Eden, a paradise described in the biblical Book of Genesis and later depicted in classical artworks like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. In this (some argue mythical) place, the land is rich with beautiful flowers and an innate feeling of pleasure and tranquillity. “I felt that the theme of Eden suited this work perfectly, both visually and metaphorically,” Emma explains. “The garden relates to the idea of creation and a fresh start, which is represented in the collection’s narrative undertones. My figures are frozen in an existential, dreamlike state.” From irises to dahlias and gardenias, Emma explores the symbolism of flowers and their historical legacy in her striking original paintings. Unlike previous collections, she has used models rather than her own self-image to move the focus from her personal experience to a collective emotional state which viewers can tap into. A progression in style is marked by a noticeably broader colour palette and bolder energy, which is inspired by the hip-hop genre and artists like Alphonse Mucha and Frida Kahlo. She adds: “Greens and yellows create a fresh look – it’s all about how the colours react with each other. Flesh tones bring the figures into reality. It poses the question of how we imagine heaven, and how we would feel if we were transported there.” Speaking on the intrinsic message of Eden , she says: “It’s about seeing into the future and laying the past to rest. I invite you to walk with me through the Garden of Eden and experience the ethereal.”
Dreamlike … it’s an ideal existence, a world of hazy dreams filled with feelings and visions that come and go.
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