53. Patrick Pearson

53. Patrick Pearson

Title: Natural Exuberance – Coral tree Bark, Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Park 11
Category: General
Dimensions (cm): 152h x 102w x 4d
Medium: Oil On Canvas

Statement:

This is a close-up ‘portrait’ of the bark patterns in the trunk of a mature coral tree in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Park 11, which inspire imperfect but discernible glimpses of all sorts of figures – wild creatures like monkeys and lions and storks, but also domestic animals like cows and mules. There’s a human in the bark patterns too, her figure hiding an owl and a bird’s profile. The exuberance of the coral tree’s bark and of the dancing female form inspired the title of the painting. Trees facilitate so much of the good things we as humans need and love in the world, which is what ‘Natural Exuberance’ the painting acknowledges and celebrates.